HAKOTO | Speaking Leaf is an ambitious, interdisciplinary project that combines art, technology, and environmental awareness to shed light on the intricate relationship between nature and climate change. This initiative is designed to create an immersive aesthetic experience and inspire dialogue about environmental responsibility.
At the heart of this project are unique wireless body-pack sculptures and sound instruments, each meticulously crafted to interact with trees in an innovative way. These instruments are equipped with advanced sensors that measure the responses of tree leaves to atmospheric changes, transforming this data into a unique acoustic output. The generated sounds then form the basis for international exhibitions and a series of ongoing performances, intended to captivate audiences across diverse ages and cultural backgrounds.
Under the leadership of Reiko and Tim, the project boasts a multi-talented team of artists, musicians, hardware and software designers, and an electrical engineer. As the project progresses, we aim to collaborate with a musician/composer, a theater director, and a new music curator to enhance the performative aspects of the instruments.
Initially, HAKOTO | Speaking Leaf will be introduced to urban and rural community groups and venues in Scotland and England for testing and feedback. Following this, it’s set to premiere at an international festival in Germany in summer. The project will also work towards producing a unique LP from initial sound recordings.
C + G Studio brings a wealth of experience to this initiative, having successfully delivered numerous interdisciplinary arts-led research projects. We hold a steadfast commitment to public engagement, diversity, inclusion, sustainable development, and fair work practices. To this end, we adhere to Scottish Artist Union and Musician Union pay rates for all team members.
As we embark on this exciting project, we are thrilled with its promising momentum and eager to share more updates soon.
Ongoing updates below:
HAKOTO – Oak + Willow
2023 May 28 – clips from HAKOTO Performance with a beech, an oak and a willow tree at KNOCKvologan, Fionnphort, Isle of Mull, Scotland. Sunday May 28th, clips from the performance during our residency, with one (of two) HAKOTO and various trees in the Oak/Hazel Forest of Knockvologan. It was followed by a dialogue about…
Hakoto at Knockvologan 1
At Knockvologan Artist’s residency on the southeast corner of the Isle of Mull; here is a brief glimpse and taste of the sound from the first days work with HAKOTO – Beta. We have a month or more of development and refinement ahead of us before its final. Sound on please. ; ) Reiko and…
Recent Proposal: HAKOTO | Speaking Leaf
Performative Tools for an Age of Climate Change We are pleased to announce our latest project proposal, HAKOTO | Speaking Leaf. This initiative seeks to raise awareness and spark a dialogue about the relationship between nature and climate change through the creation of performative tools and a unique aesthetic experience. HAKOTO | Speaking Leaf consists of a pair…