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'ARID LANDS SACRED WATERS' Summary This mixed media project aims to recreate a virtual mound spring as a gallery installation, incorporating audio, still images and film. The installation will represent the cultural and conservational significance of this natural phenomena and highlight the beauty of nature. This project will be a collaborative project involving local indigenous people, film makers, photographers, digital artists, designers, scientific advisers and performers. Background Information Mound Springs are the natural outlet for fossil waters of the Great Artesian Basin in far north South Australia. They are formed by the ground water escaping from the Great Artesian Basin via fractures in the enclosing rock strata. This water is high in dissolved solids which accumulates around the springs and together with wind blown and water borne particles forms a unique and characteristic cone shape called a 'mound'. This water is over millions of years old when it is released from the earth. The mound springs of South Australia are of enormous scientific and cultural importance as they provide the only natural source of permanent water in one of the most arid regions of Australia. They are in fact oases in the desert that provide habitats for life in an otherwise harsh environment. The springs support a diversity of plant and animal life, including rare prehistoric fresh water fish species. All of this beauty and culture is currently threatened because of the recent human interference. The Mound Springs are of great importance to Aboriginal people of the region in respect to their culture and their spiritual Dreamings about the creation of the surrounding lands and the plants and animals that inhabit this harsh environment. Aboriginal people are the traditional custodians of this area and rightfully they celebrate this fact through stories, song and dance. Historically the Indigenous peoples of this region have lived in harmony with their environment for thousands of years, highlighting the knowledge they have of their land. This cultural heritage is now under threat of disappearing forever due to the impact on this environment through mining and pastoral practices. Mound Springs installation design The installation will be a audio-visual immersive interactive space which includes projected still images, sound and text overlays. The central component will be moving images of the mound springs projected on slowly flowing water. This will be projected from a video projected mounted above the screen of water. Slides of cracked earth, reed settings, water, local storytellers, and short statements will be projected on the floor and walls to provide the natural environs of the spring. The audio will be the natural sounds of the running water and the wind. Recorded voices of the local people relating stories and some indigenous music effects will also be used. Both the sound and projected stills will be interactive either by infra-red or sound frequency. The visitor will move around the space creating their own stories and atmosphere. In addition to this projected images, a physical model of the mound springs will be operating for people to see and touch. |
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