HESAPIA
Ive been given the opportunity to collaborate with a third year fine art student from Goldsmiths. Using software such as Unreal engine and cinema 4D they create intricate digital worlds, steeped in philosophical detail with narratives inspired by the likes of Carl Yung, Joseph Campbell and Religious texts.
The project is titled ‘Hesapia’. This is a fabricated word derived from the word ‘He Sapa’, a Native American Lakota word meaning ‘Black Ridge’. This refers to a mountain range that is believed to be the centre of the universe for the Lakota Sioux, and the origin of many Native American peoples. This land was later commandeered by western expansion and became part of the Dakota territory.
Eunjo, my collaborator has drawn a parallel with He Sapa and the Garden of Eden. In her eyes, the Garden of Eden is a false narrative, the snake (representing nature) is vilified, as too is womanhood. The real Garden of Eden (or paradise) is more that of He Sapa, a balance of person and nature, life and death being appreciated in the same respect. A subversion of the typical western ideals of Anthropocentrism. This subversion is extended beyond the idea of anthropocentrism, to a balance of good, evil, creation and destruction. This is inspired by the works of Carl Yung, in which he denounces the idea of the dichotomy of good and evil, two forces that are in constant conflict and are incapable of harmonisation.
‘Hesapia’ will take on the form of an animated short film, with the potential of being transformed into an interactive space or game. The film will include many characters, representing various elements of philosophical writings, performing symbolic actions. Ultimately, the project is a reimagining of the Garden of Eden, one which represents and reflects with more accuracy the human condition and the relationships between humanity, object and nature.
I believe that this project is ripe for sonic exploration, it offers opportunity to experiment not only with sound design methodologies, but with contextual reflection within the sound world. I’m drawn to this project specifically because it is a perfect space for me to continue the practice I developed over the last two years, diegetic/soundscape composition. The philosophical and narrative substance allows for emotional exploration within the musical side of the sound design, and world building nature of her practice gives me insight into material from which to perform the composition.
Bibliography:
An Interview/meeting conducted with the artist in which we discussed the general overview of the project. Conducted 26th September 2022
Estes, N., 2022. Go back to where you come from, the Trump fans yelled. But “we came from there!”. [online] Mother Jones. Available at: <https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2021/01/the-battle-for-the-black-hills/> [Accessed 27 September 2022].
Magazine, B., 2022. Paha Sapa – The Black Hills – Black Hills Visitor. [online] Black Hills Visitor. Available at: <https://blackhillsvisitor.com/learn/paha-sapa-the-black-hills/> [Accessed 27 September 2022].