Over the past two decades, Susan Philipsz has explored the psychological and
sculptural potential of sound. The artist's immersive environments of architecture
and song heighten the visitor’s engagement with their surroundings while
inspiring thoughtful introspection. The music Philipsz selects – which has ranged
from sixteenth century ballads and Irish folk tunes to David Bowie’s Ziggy
Stardust – responds specifically to the space in which the work is installed. While
each piece is unique, the storylines and references are often recognizable,
exploring familiar themes of loss, longing, hope, and return. These universal
narratives trigger personal reactions while also temporarily bridging the gaps
between the individual and the collective, as well as interior and exterior spaces.
My work deals with the spatial properties of sound and with the relationships between sound and architecture. I am particularly interested in the emotive and psychological properties of sound and how it can be used as a device to alter individual consciousness. I have used sound as a medium in public spaces to trigger an awareness in the listener, to temporarily alter their perception of themselves in a particular place and time.
Sunset Song is a solar powered sound installation that I originally situated on the roof terrace of the Art Pace Foundation. The title refers to a book of the same name by Lewis Grassic Gibbon and it refers to something that has gone forever. I’ve recorded myself sing two different versions of a well-known murder ballad The Banks of the Ohio. One version is from the point of view of the female, the other the male. Each version appears to play to the other in the style of a call and response duet but can be listened to separately. The sound emanates from two horn speakers powered by solar panels and the sound system is attuned to the light levels in a way that the volume lowers as the sun light fades.
When I heard it was to be installed in Pantelleria I knew it would be a great location because of the amazing sunsets. I visited the island with Francesco Pantaleone in 2017 and it was just like I imagined. We found a spot on the top of the hill with a great view of the setting sun. I couldn't have been happier with the location and I would love to come back and hear it one day.