Encrypted Sounds of Wellbeing
Leila Houston
Encrypted Sounds of Wellbeing, 2020
Video and sound
Johnny McJohnston: Max/MSP powered visuals and projection mapping
The Wurlitzer is played by Chris Barber, resident organist and Musical Director at the Musical Museum, Kew Bridge, London
Kindly supported by Arts Council England and Silver Vine Arts
Courtesy of the artist
Encrypted Sounds of Wellbeing, 2020
Video and sound
Johnny McJohnston: Max/MSP powered visuals and projection mapping
The Wurlitzer is played by Chris Barber, resident organist and Musical Director at the Musical Museum, Kew Bridge, London
Kindly supported by Arts Council England and Silver Vine Arts
Courtesy of the artist
Leila Houston's Encrypted Sounds of Wellbeing project is a multi-layered exploration of the complexities of human existence and our pursuit of good wellbeing. The project began with her piece Data: The Grey Area, which collected authentic data from the audience through digital touch points, informing the placement of punched holes on paper tape that would be played on a music box. This led to a series of workshops with two art groups from Charnwood Arts' People Making Places programme, exploring Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and how to build a participatory walk-through sound installation.
As the Covid-19 pandemic unfolded, Leila's work moved online and the groups created individual works looking at our essential needs and how we address them to maintain our wellbeing. These works include an animation about lack of ambition, a science fiction short story about how the pandemic has affected our relationships, and a participatory activity inviting the public to communicate which needs are most important to them as individuals.
The recordings from the group discussions and further online conversations with professionals from psychology, anthropology, education, and social work guided the creation of a video work exploring our increased need for connection, the internet, creative outlets, and outdoor spaces. The video work invites the viewer to witness a cyclist's journey along a peaceful canal path, with the serene surroundings providing a soothing backdrop to the sounds of birdsong. However, the peacefulness is soon interrupted by the sudden, jarring sound of a Wurlitzer organ, which disrupts the tranquil environment and creates a stark contrast to the natural world. The Encrypted Sounds of Wellbeing project recognises that while technology can enhance our lives and contribute to our wellbeing, it can also have negative impacts, leading to feelings of disconnection and stress.
As the Covid-19 pandemic unfolded, Leila's work moved online and the groups created individual works looking at our essential needs and how we address them to maintain our wellbeing. These works include an animation about lack of ambition, a science fiction short story about how the pandemic has affected our relationships, and a participatory activity inviting the public to communicate which needs are most important to them as individuals.
The recordings from the group discussions and further online conversations with professionals from psychology, anthropology, education, and social work guided the creation of a video work exploring our increased need for connection, the internet, creative outlets, and outdoor spaces. The video work invites the viewer to witness a cyclist's journey along a peaceful canal path, with the serene surroundings providing a soothing backdrop to the sounds of birdsong. However, the peacefulness is soon interrupted by the sudden, jarring sound of a Wurlitzer organ, which disrupts the tranquil environment and creates a stark contrast to the natural world. The Encrypted Sounds of Wellbeing project recognises that while technology can enhance our lives and contribute to our wellbeing, it can also have negative impacts, leading to feelings of disconnection and stress.