The Polyphonic Sea presented the recent work of twelve artists from Aotearoa New Zealand. It explored the wealth of languages around us, from speech and writing, gesture and music, to the ongoing flow of communications from the natural environment.

The exhibition reflected two of Bundanon’s guiding principles: to create a working environment for artists through its onsite residency program, and to support a diversity of art forms. Many of the works were created or transformed at Bundanon from existing ideas and in conversation with the site. Some artists acknowledged their Māori heritage, drawing on First Peoples’ knowledge and language in the creation of their work. Others responded more broadly to the diversity of communication that surrounds us, from the human to the environmental.

Throughout the exhibition the artworks themselves spoke multiple languages, jumping between art forms. A sculpture might temporarily become a musical instrument, a field recording could take physical shape, and a drawing might become a performance score. The artists embraced collaboration, drawing variously on a wide range of practices: photography, design, documentary and narrative film, choreography, music composition, field recording, weaving, painting and sculpture.

The Polyphonic Sea was choreographed to include moments of both sound and silence as individual works are activated throughout the museum. Engaging our senses, the artists invited us to consider the transformational power of listening. Their works drew our attention to the languages we overlook or fail to hear, and recognised a world of non-verbal cues that are rich with meaning and celebrate the music of the natural world.

Recurring Program