Neural KNot: Syncopated/Synaptic/Syncope

Neural KNot: Syncopated/Synaptic/Syncope is a kinetic sound sculpture which uses the techniques of electronic music composition to illustrate the experience of Audio Processing Disorder (APD), a neurological disability where an individual hears sound yet has trouble processing and understanding what is heard. This work is the result of a residency with the Manitoba Neuroscience Network. The artist was paired with Dr. C. Kazina, neurosurgeon and biosystems engineer during the 2021 residency. Exploring the techniques used in the design of diagnostic instrumentation and biosystems modeling, the artist challenges these techniques by applying a crip-technoscience methodology. By reimagining the use of sensors, 3D medical imagery, and equipment the artist takes the dys-order out of the clinical setting and into realm of musical composition. Within the installation a network of threads, microphones, audio software, electronics, and speakers work together to produce sound that uses counterpoint rhythms, vibrations, and feedback loops to speak to the sonic landscape experienced by the artist. Contact microphones monitor the sonic actions within the sculpture and these live signals are processed using a generative algorithm that distorts, loops, and clips incoming sounds before adding them to the composition. Viewers can hear the composition and experience the sounds through the body by being on an accessible platform A special thank you to Yvette Cenerini and Alice Crawford for their accessibility consultation