Susan Hiller: Clinic (2004)
Go into the recording studios to discover the story behind Susan Hiller's 'Clinic'
THE EXHIBITION
Susan Hiller's major solo show,
Recall: Selected Works 1969-2004 was exhibited at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art from 1 May - 18 July 2004. This large-scale exhibition occupied 3 floors and presented over 20 works
CLINIC (2004)
The Level 4 Art Space was entirely taken up with a new BALTIC commission Clinic - an audio installation based on accounts of near death experiences.
STORYTELLING
Created entirely at BALTIC, Clinic incorporates a remarkable archive of vivid stories from individuals across a wide range of cultural backgrounds recorded in many different languages.
RECORDING PROCESS
The making of the piece involved an extensive period of research as well as the participation of volunteers of all ages, who translated one text each into their native language and then read the texts for recordings which were made in a purpose-built sound studio at BALTIC.
FILLING THE ROOM WITH SOUND
Level 4 is a notoriously difficult space to fill. Rather than use sculptural objects or projects, Hiller chose to fill the room with sound. Speakers were placed within the columns at two different heights. Carefully choreographed voices would start off as gentle murmurs before building to a crescendo.
Image: Colin Davison
© BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
Image: Colin Davison
© BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
Clinic (2004/2004) by Susan HillerBALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
Susan Hiller: Recall 1969-2004: Documentary (2004/2004) by BALTIC Centre for Contemporary ArtBALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
