Rain. Carrier of Stories and Sounds

»Water is the conduit carrying stories,
beliefs and wisdom, forging a tapestry of interconnectedness.«

Forging a connection between El Kharja oasis in Egypt, nestled along the Tropic of Cancer, and Jundiaí in Brazil, situated near the Tropic of Capricorn. In this entwining of geographical points, we are invited to embark on a journey and explore through a sonorous web poem the multifaceted dimensions of rain – the material, discursive, and poetic accidents that unfold around its commonality. We are invited to delve into the tropical desert and the Atlantic forest to encounter water in contrasting manifestations:b ound by scarcity in drought on one side and abundance and flood on the other. Yet, these seemingly dichotomous experiences are united by the indeterminacy of rain, entangled in the midst of the climate crisis and the echoes of colonial legacies within the tropics.
Beyond the verticality of the North-to-South relations, through a listening experience we find ourselves on the task to reorient such vectors. Tying the tropical lines in a knot of interconnectedness. Poetic realms emerge from encounters with rain and the ways in which it shapes and opens our understanding, as a guide to embrace a sort of entangled otherness.

In the rich tapestry of ancestral Indigenous cultures within Brazil, rain intertwines with the voice of Tupã, the spirit creator of the heavens, earth, seas, and all living beings. Meanwhile, in the mythology of ancient Egypt, rain is connected to Nu, the personification of the primordial watery abyss of chaos from which creation sprung. By overlapping these mythologies, and inviting voices interested in the phenomenon of tropical rain, Luiz Zanotello and Islam Shabana embark on collecting diverse voices,¹speaking with, about, and through the rain. A Knot in Motion is a gathering that brings forth the poetic relationships between many voices, inviting us to feel, and hear resonances among them and the tropical rain. A myriad of affective experiences and struggles surround water in the present day. Exploring A Knot in Motion creates a space where the harmonies and dissonances across Latitude Zero (otherwise known as the Equator) can be contemplated. By amplifying a multiplicity of voices, fabricating a multitude, and creating a work that reflects their interwoven narratives, the piece sheds light on the complexities and urges a surrounding of this vital element, essential to our existence. With each poetic relation we are invited into a deeper engagement within affects, and the struggles of rain and thunder.

This map below presents rain and thunder’s appearances over and across the continents in real time:

Luiz and Islam’s work comprehends an expanded field of production derived from an archeological research method. Streams of knowledge from underground flows and epochs lead to a present relation to water systems and situated knowledge expressed by lyrics, verses, and cosmologies. The work presents itself as a network-based sound art piece and web-poem. The real-time data of the rain density in El Kharja and Jundiaí informs the knot on the project website and the stream of the sonorous online poem, evoking an affective relation to the places and weather conditions in the area.

»Each sound, like a fragment of a larger narrative, tells a story of skills, resistance or invention and as the composition unfolds we get transported to arid regions, where the echoes of footsteps in the scorching desert sand resonate.«

Sounds and words are placed at odds, and when traced on the map, represent unforeseen orders of relation while composing narratives and stories never crossed or heard. Poetry and chants appear and propose a dimension for liquid compositions that flow against continental drifts while embracing abyssal risks at tropical tropes and contested zones.

Sounds and words are placed at odds, and when traced on the map, represent unforeseen orders of relation while composing narratives and stories never crossed or heard. Poetry and chants appear and propose a dimension for liquid compositions that flow against continental drifts while embracing abyssal risks at tropical tropes and contested zones.

Sounds and samples from tropical regions traverse Latitude Zero while juggling with time zones through the mix of oral traditions. Water is the conduit carrying stories, beliefs, and wisdom, forging a tapestry of interconnectedness. In such a way and within the lush landscapes of unchartered territories, a symphony of voices emerges, blending harmoniously amidst the rhythms; syncopated in the geopolitical divides within the vast expanse of our world. Through sound we bear witness to the remarkable interplay of cultures and narratives. Glimpses into diverse orders of knowledge, connecting disparate realms and giving birth to narratives that transcend conventional boundaries. Through rain a new dimension of connection and understanding is revealed. The very essence of existence is intertwined with the water’s flow, creating a sense of unity that transcends physical and cultural boundaries. Precipitation becomes a metaphor of the words that conform to open narratives; it represents the fluidity of human experiences and the transformative nature of storytelling. Water becomes the vessel carrying collective memories, histories, and aspirations of communities.

With A Knot in Motion, we are invited to navigate sounds to encounter the profound significance of water as a unifying force. Here, water serves as a bridge to connect various traces from remote cultures while giving voice to ancient wisdom. A Knot in Motion allows us to embrace the richness and diversity of our world and discover the threads that bind us together. In the work of Luiz and Islam, the very essence of our planet comes alive through sounds collected from different locations across the globe. Each sound, like a fragment of a larger narrative, tells a story of skills, resistance, or invention; and as the composition unfolds we are transported to arid regions, where the echoes of footsteps in the scorching desert sand resonate.

These sounds speak to resilience and the struggle for survival in the face of water scarcity. They evoke the ingenuity and resourcefulness of communities that have learned to adapt, sharing their knowledge and techniques in navigating a harsh and unforgiving environment. Amidst this backdrop, the composition shifts, seamlessly blending into a lush symphony of sounds emanating from the heart of the rainforest. Here, water abundance becomes the dominant theme, as the cacophony of raindrops, flowing rivers, and vibrant wildlife intertwines with Indigenous voices. These sounds embody a profound connection to the life-giving force of water, celebrating its abundance and the deep respect for nature ingrained in these cultures. But also, within these layers of sound, the struggles faced by marginalized communities across the globe emerge. The whispers of voices carry stories of strength and determination. The contrast between scarcity and abundance highlight the fragile balance between the two. It invites reflection on the urgent need for stewardship and equitable access to water resources, while also celebrating the power of human spirit in overcoming adversity.

Through this artistic creation, we become witnesses to the intertwining of our planet’s ecosystems and the profound impact of human actions. The work of art serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving our natural resources and cultivating a deep respect for the knowledge and wisdom of cultures. Ultimately, this work becomes a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and the ability of sound to evoke emotions, ignite contemplation, and possibly also to inspire collective action within a postcolonial present.

Tropical regions bear the scars of a history marked by exploitation and power imbalances. Abyssal methodologies enable us to navigate these zones, uncovering the hidden narratives and alternative perspectives that challenge dominant narratives and reveal the lingering impacts of colonial legacies. With this in mind, the work becomes a platform for amplifying the voices of those who have been historically silenced, providing a space for their stories, struggles, and silent voices to be heard. It becomes a catalyst for dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding in the aftermath of postcolonial tensions. Is it over? Is the storm already gone? We still hear thunder from afar.

 The work advocates the importance of decentering dominant narratives and centering the experiences and perspectives of those who have been marginalized. Through this transformative approach, we might aim to challenge existing power structures and foster a more inclusive and equitable understanding of the tropics, water resources, and the complexities of human existence. The culmination takes the form of a web-based audio poem, dynamically generated in real time and in relation to rain precipitation. This sound work appears as a synthesis of magical realism through an immersive medium, the audience embarks on a sensory journey, guided by ethereal sounds that resonate from different corners of the globe. The poem becomes a testament to the transformative potential of technology, breathing life into the narratives and inviting active participation. The audience co-creates the piece, influencing the evolving composition through their inputs. This interactive dimension allows for a deeper engagement with the themes explored, forging a connection between the digital realm and the visceral realities of the tropics and their oral traditions.The convergence of art and technology gives rise to a digital piece that invites individuals from all walks of life to immerse themselves in a transformative journey, where sound becomes a conduit for exploration, reflection, and connection. Through this innovative and dynamic creation, the web-based audio poem becomes a testament to the boundless potential of human creativity and our ability to harness technology in the service of profound storytelling. It serves as an invitation to embrace the power of art, digital platforms, and collective imagination to reshape our understanding of the world, challenge existing narratives, and foster a more inclusive and empathetic global community.

Alejo Duque
May 22, 2023