Lost Underfoot

Algorithmic musician and sonic artist Laurence Walker draws on an agricultural upbringing in the Monaro region of south-eastern New South Wales to create an immersive, interactive sound experience as part of a Creative Practice Honours degree at the University of Adelaide. The Monaro Grasslands are unique environments, supporting 10-20 species of native grasses along with 40 or more non-grass species and a variety of unique fauna, but modern agricultural practices have led to an EPBC rating for the region of Critically Endangered as of 2016.

Inspired by the work of sonic artist David Dunn and biologist Monica Gagliano, Lost Underfoot seeks to provide a unique perspective on the small flora species that often go overlooked, even while they make up a vital cornerstone of the environments we rely upon for survival. The installation makes use of recorded meteorological data and simulations of plant life from the Monaro region, as well as a recursive processing system that incorporates participants into the overall soundscape.

This project seeks foster a better sense of connection to grassland environments, which are otherwise easily lost underfoot.