Empremtes sonores / Huellas sonoras
A sound map for Sant Bartomeu del Grau, Barcelona, ES
Pablo Sanz, Jul-Aug 2011 – Inland-Campo Adentro residency program

The project consisted in a phonographic exploration of the soundscape of this rural environment, attempting to identify and collect its most singular and representative elements and to discover what remains unheard as well. The aim is to stimulate a more attentive listening and promote awareness towards this intangible heritage as an integral part of the experience of a territory.

It was developed between in the context of an artistic residency granted by Inland-Campo Adentro, with the support of the Arts Centre AcVic and Sant Bartomeu´s town hall. Inland-Campo Adentro is a project that examines the role of territories, geopolitics, culture and identity in the relationship between the city and the countryside in Spain today.

The result after a one month stay in Sant Bartomeu is an online interactive sound map which contains more than two hours and a half of sonic fragments spread in around seventy spots, including natural ambiences, labour activities, sonic impressions from the semi-abandoned huge factory to which the recent history of this town is linked, everyday scenes or traditional music. This cartography attempts to work as a possible portrait and as an abstraction at the same time, as document and trigger for imagination. It is kindly hosted by the global sound mapping project Aporee Maps.

Visit the sound map of Sant Bartomeu del Grau
(headphones listening recommended)
Blog documenting the project
Info

‘Empremtes sonores’ was publicly presented in Sant Bartomeu on 14th Sep with the opening of an exhibition running until 30th Sep 2011. Simultaneously, an event showing the results of the residency program was held in MedialabPrado, Madrid, connecting with a few of the local exhibitions, including Sant Bartomeu.