Sound has a direct line to memory...

Sounds play an important role in the storage of memories. They stir up memories and emotions. They are dynamic and inspired. They produce resonance between individuals, allowing them to communicate and to share life experiences and values. “With Ears to See: A Special Exhibition on Sound Memory” focuses on “sound” as a different approach for recalling history. This exhibition invites the audience to listen to sounds and to use them as a guide to understanding the stories behind the sounds and determine whether the sounds exist in their memories and whether their perceptions of them have changed. Through different audio pieces and the perspectives of actors, we explore the multidimensional emotions of Taiwan and experience the historical messages and cultural understanding carried by sounds. The purpose of this exhibition is also to reflect on the preservation of contemporary historical memories. We present recordings with various content, including soundscapes, interviews, radio programs, records, and music, that record moments in the past as well as individual and collective memories. From our contemporary perspective, how do we understand the messages carried by sounds that are in the process of disappearing, being transformed, or being reborn? We need to consider what is important to our existences as human beings and the cultural values we want to pursue.

1. Soundscape: Sounds string memories together

What is the first sound that you recall from this morning?

What comes to mind when a series of sounds come at you? Sounds are a string that link beads of pictures in your mind. Close your eyes and experience the power of sound.

2. Pondering: Speculating about stories within sounds

Do recall the sounds that accompanied important moments or special memories?

The six different audio works are recording the feelings, memories, or aspirations of various groups of people in the “past,” “present,” and “future.” Whether it is the heartfelt voices of people at a festival, the reverberation of a global disease, the unique accent of a small town, an oral history of the times, the singing of foreign laborers, the unfathomable melody of an ancient tune, or the sound of snatched moments of tranquility, each highlights the importance of neglected sounds and the value of their being appreciated. 

●A Burning Tapestry of Sound: The sound of the ceremonial fire serves both as an ancient invocation and a contemporary melody.( Fan Chin-hui、Hong Yong-sin)

●Covid-19, your voice, my voice, and their voice: How a soundscape connects the world’s moments of empathy.( Radio Taiwan International、Georgios Varoutsos)

●Anping accent: How old-style accents can invoke past memories.(Lee Wei-mu、Wu Tsan-cheng、 Wu Chia-ni)

●Po-kua code: Life experience hidden in a tune.( Huang Yu-yuan)

●The Sound of Migrant Workers: Whose desire for freedom is woven into this song?( Wu Ting-kuan、Lan Yu-Chen)

●25 Decibels of Silence: A Sound of Everything Hidden in Silence (Soundscape Association of Taiwan)

3.Awaken: Sound Explorers

Are you somebody who uses sounds to recall history?

Sounds are fluid. It is difficult to frame a specific picture or time period with a series of sounds, but using collaboration, it is easy to evoke collective emotions and spirit. There is a group of people in Taiwan who are driven by cultural values to consciously extract soundscape and preserve sounds. By recording the past through sound, they express and ponder questions like “What is important to people’s existence and value?” Listen to their value judgments and through these sounds, explore the different future they want to take us to.

●Environment & Education: Soundscape Association of Taiwan

●The World & Taiwan: Radio Taiwan International

●Old Songs & Preservation: National Museum of Taiwan History

●Memories & Stories: Sidoli Radio

●Soundscape & Experience: ViVo Creative Design Studio

●Old Melodies & New Creations: Launcher Lab

4.With Ears to See: What sounds are you “seeing with your ears” right now?

What sound stored in your memory has left the deepest impression on you?

Perhaps it is your mother humming a lullaby, the soft whisper of your lover, or joyous laughter from your childhood. Sounds like these are threads that string together the most precious moments of your life.