Stefan Maier
Stefan Maier is a new media artist based in Vienna. His work is characterized by a deep exploration of how technology can transform our sensory perception and the way we interact with each other.
During his residency he works on his project Echoes of the Shore.
Echoes of the Shore is a sonic material research exploring the relationship between sound, matter, and environment. The project examines how form influences listening and how sound emerges from the intra-action of material, space, and perception. It repurposes discarded seashells from local Helsinki restaurants, blending them with seaweed-based binders to create a clay-like material used to craft sculptural sound devices, called listening apparati. These devices are designed to engage with and transform the urban and rural soundscapes of Helsinki.
Drawing from Pauline Oliveros' Deep Listening philosophy, the project explores how sculpting can also be a form of listening, where the material itself modulates sound. The research culminated in field tests on urban and rural areas around Helsinki, using the devices to capture and amplify diverse sonic environments.
The project also highlights the ecological potential of repurposing food industry waste, turning discarded seashells into a valuable material for sculpture. By reimagining these shells as active participants in the sonic and environmental landscape, Echoes of the Shore fosters ecological awareness and a deeper connection to the world around us, promoting a circular economy where materials enrich the environment through decomposition.
