Oona Stern

In Beta test:

Iceline

An interactive video installation about melting glaciers and sea-level rise which addresses the relationship of people to natural phenomena; the audience is invited to coordinate in an effort to slow these effects of climate change. 

Concept, production, design, and video by Oona Stern. Audio by Cheryl E Leonard. Software by Jesse Johnson.

"Monacobreen" continuous loop. 2” sample.
Video, audio, rocks, paint; 12' x 14' x 14'. 2011
Audio and video field recordings from Liefdefjorden.
Collaboration with Cheryl E Leonard
Insomnia Future Music and Techno Festival. Kurant Gallery, Tromsø, Norway.

"Monacobreen" was the first in a series of pieces that comprise Adfreeze Project, the artists' collaborative exploration of the Svalbard region of the Arctic. The multi-media installation is based on the artists’ visit to Monaco glacier (Monacobreen) in Liefdefjorden, on the north side of Spitsbergen. Video projections, sound, and graphics are combined to transform the gallery into a mini-environment evocative of the fjord, conveying the nature of light, sound, space, and time from a remote region.

Combining scientific practices (research) with artistic ones (presentation), the goal of Adfreeze Project is to relate the characteristics of the Arctic: its temporal attributes, unique physicality, and spiritual presence. Adfreeze is part of a new generation of earthworks which seek not only to (re)present nature, but to facilitate the growing desire of people all over to live with nature rather than try to conquer it.

Videos

Because of the nuanced soundscape, all audio is best experienced with a headset or quality external speaker system.

Adfreeze Project

adfreeze - the process by which two objects are bonded together by ice formed between them

In October 2011 I participated with composer and instrument builder Cheryl E Leonard in The Arctic Circle residency program. This interdisciplinary expedition tours the high Arctic of the Svalbard archipelago aboard a specially outfitted sailing vessel. We began our collaboration Adfreeze Project during this residency.

Adfreeze Project is a journal of a remote, unique environment, where experience of the Spitsbergen region is captured and translated through a sound and visual artist team. Taking a multi-disciplinary approach, we continue to develop works that respond to the schooner's locale - natural conditions, and the physical and cultural histories of land and sea.

Adfreeze Project is fiscally sponsored by New York Foundation for the Arts.

Additional collaborations with Cheryl E Leonard can be found on her website allwaysnorth.com