NIRIN at Home: Sounds Around You
Inspired by Eric Bridgeman and Haus Yuriyal's replica home 'SUNA', learn to describe your own sense of home and place using sound
By Biennale of Sydney
#NIRINathome
What creates a sense of place? When someone asks you to describe your home and where you live, how would you describe it? You might think immediately about the physical surroundings: a lounge room, dining chairs, your bedroom. But have you ever thought about describing your sense of home and place using sound?
What you will need
Pencils
Pens
A recording device, e.g. a mobile phone (optional)
Method
Think
Think about what reminds you of your home. Do you think of physical objects? Are there sounds that make you think of your home? What are these objects, and what are the sounds?
1. Make a list of what defines your home and sense of place. Furniture? Food? Pets? People
2. Draw each item on your list.
3. Think about the sounds you hear every day at home. These all contribute to a sense of place. Is it quiet? Noisy?
4. List 10 sounds around you and notice whether these are natural, human made, or the sounds of humans and the environment interacting together.
5. Optional: walk around your house and record the sounds you listed. Listen back to the recordings.
6. Describe what is is about each sound that gives you a sense of place and home.
"'Suna' is a word in Yuri language used to describe a middle ground, a safe and central location in a village ideal for gathering and distant enough from potential conflicts at the borders."
- Eric Bridgeman
For the 22nd Biennale of Sydney, Eric Bridgeman and Haus Yuriyal present a replica of Bridgeman’s home which was built for him by his family in PNG using traditional techniques and cultural knowledge. This house became an important meeting place for relatives and extended family as a site for exchange, learning, community participation and art making. Click the image to learn more.
We’d love to see how you use these resources at home. Post your stories and photos with the hashtag #NIRINatHome.
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