"The words of a siren song (the Homeric sirens sang irresistible songs, from a bone scattered meadow, that resulted in death for any sailors who heard them), which is a ‘translation’ of the seal’s calls. The song tries to lure the reader in, like an advert, offering knowledge (the deadly price for this leaks out at the end). The song’s knowledge is a warning, of the future of the climate catastrophe, where nature is merely a remembered presence, a ghost" - Paul Rooney.
Paul's immersive sound piece is installed in the castle's Upper Gallery, along with nature images from the castle collection and pieces of nature writing, some from local writers. A video text is projected amongst the objects, which aims to ‘translate’ the seal song as a playful yet grave warning of climate catastrophe.
The castle remains partly furnished, an "un-stately home", with some key items of the collection having been brought back to weave a story between the installation and the castle's past inhabitants; Hudson and his guests were drawn here as a place of escape, seeking sanctuary, an opportunity to reconnect with nature. The experience within the castle seeks to recreate that feeling; but with a dark undercurrent of over - indulgence and unsustainability, creating a metaphor for our relationship with the natural world.
On view 5 March - 30 Oct 2022
Normal admission charges apply.
