Pre-fair Program // Atmospheric Listening with Divinatory Interfaces

This media performance delves into the relation between weather data and the divinatory rituals inspired by the mythology of the Smoking Mirror, from Aztec Culture. Drawing upon obsidian elements and copper traces as interactive materials, the presentation transforms weather dynamics into immersive soundscapes. The aim is to foster attunement with our natural environment through a multi-sensory experience, blending vibro-tactile and aural sensations.

Through his ongoing artistic research, Juan Duarte designs meteorological and sonic technologies that revive pre-colonial knowledge of weather divination from ancient Mexico and other Mesoamerican cultures. This knowledge is shared through practices involving crystallized mineral artifacts, echoing contemporary divinatory techniques such as scrying and aeromancy.

The media-performance integrates sound, visuals, and interactive components. A generative video and soundscapes, derived from real-time weather data, complement the narrative. At its core, the performance features an obsidian mirror infused with copper traces, connected to touch sensors. These sensors detect physical interactions, triggering sounds, visuals.

This fusion of mythological heritage, advanced technology, and sensory engagement offers a profound exploration of how ancient and contemporary practices intersect, enabling audience to experience the resonance between human perception and atmospheric phenomena.