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Dark Mofo 2019: Project X is coming home to roost in the Huon Valley

The sound of 2000 ravens gathering in the tree canopy is set to ring out over Hastings Cave as DarkLab’s latest art venture kicks off. SEE THE VIDEOS AND TODAY’S DARK MOFO HIGHLIGHTS

Dark Mofo's Project X

THE fire-hit Huon Valley will come alive on Wednesday when Mona’s DarkLab art venture Project X opens its first installation to visitors.

The first stage of the project, Hrafn: Conversations with Odin, by English musician and sound recordist Chris Watson, will see visitors guided through the forests at Hastings Cave aimed at giving guests a heightened sound experience. The multi-channel ambisonic sound installation will present the voices of 2000 ravens gathering to roost in the high tree canopy overhead at dusk.

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DARK MOFO 2019

PROJECT X TO DRAW VISITORS TO THE HUON VALLEY

Chris Watson on location at Hastings Caves, the site of his artwork <i>Hrafn: Conversations with Odin</i> for Project X.
Chris Watson on location at Hastings Caves, the site of his artwork Hrafn: Conversations with Odin for Project X.

Its organisers have called it “an avian exchange of sound not usually witnessed by humans”.

Project X manager Lucy Bleach said weeks of preparation had gone into the installation which kicks off on Wednesday afternoon.

“It’s a very special opportunity to invest time in going into a space to be quieter and take the time to listen to the environment,” Ms Bleach said.

“The installation is an important way to create reinvestment and regeneration in the area.”

As part of the installation DarkLab is working with local Huon businesses, including chefs, to curate menus for a supper club to encourage visitors to eat dinner in the area at the conclusion of the forest walk.

GALLERY: GRAND OPENING OF IN THE HANGING GARDEN

GALLERY: OPENING OF ONLY THE PENITENT SHALL PASS

Tourism Tasmania chief marketing officer Emma Terry said it was exciting to see DarkLab deliver a project outside Hobart.

“We know people travel for difference — to see, taste, hear and feel different things,” she said.

“Mona has had a huge impact on Tasmania’s cultural landscape and its festivals bring thousands of visitors to the state every year.

“So it’s great to have Leigh Carmichael and the DarkLab team working on Project X to deliver a program of activities that can only be experienced by visitors to the state’s far south region.”

Project X will run over the next 12 months, with its second instalment expected to be announced soon.

Mike Parr performs a work for Dark Mofo 2019

TUESDAY'S HIGHLIGHTS

■ Simon Denny, Mine, 10am-5pm, Mona

■ Julie Gough, Tense Past, 10am-4pm, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

■ Tony Albert, Confessions, 12-5pm, Contemporary Art Tasmania

■ Lonnie Holley, Art Walk, 2-3pm, Altar

More events at https://darkmofo.net.au/

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/entertainment/events/dark-mofo-2019-project-x-is-coming-home-to-roost-in-the-huon-valley/news-story/68496c1187ee01c5c4e7388973f21821