George Dhauw

Urban Resonance is an interactive sound performance which is inspired by the complex relationship between urban noise, social unrest, and mental resilience. Recent global protests, institutional violence and personal experiences with mental health challenges gave me the idea to create an art project that researches these power structures. I strive to create a performance that makes the invisible—our emotions, rhythms, and mental states—audible, to gain awareness on a deeper level of our relationship with the spaces we occupy. How are we safeguarded and deceived through the uniform? Which have become the shape of institutional violence. I envision confronting audiences with the stressors of violence and noise pollution—as well as a potential pathway to personal healing in hostile environments. The work seeks to activate an empathetic dialogue about this violence within urban environments. The performance encourages collective action and a more inclusive approach to city-making that prioritizes all its inhabitants’ mental and emotional health.

The project focuses on the creation of a knitted riot gear uniform. Knitting has become a form of activism. It allows for reclaiming a traditionally domestic and often undervalued craft, transforming it into a statement against societal norms and power structures. The knitted uniform will be integrated with (bio)sensors that sonify the movements and emotional state of the wearer. The uniform will consist of five main components. A helmet, a baton, a shield, shoes and the knitwear uniform (shoulders, breastplate, pants, gloves & shin guards). In a later stage a bodycam, radio, and megaphone can be added.

The creation of a knitted riot gear uniform is the first phase  of the project. In the second phase the knitted uniform will be integrated with (bio)sensors that sonify the movements and emotional state of the wearer.

For this project I will collaborate with Niek Vanoosterweyck. He plays a central role in bringing the Urban Resonance riot gear performance to life. Niek’s role is as performer and co-creator. He will develop and feedback the research from the floor, using his experience to find the movements and it’s translations into the sensors. Providing ideas on the placement of the sensors and interaction proportionality.