“Interferences in the Tagus” and “Freeze: Frequencies Shaping Ecosystems”  open at CAM-Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian, Part of Oeiras Pilot

Bauhaus of the Seas Sails is proud to announce the opening of the exhibition “Interferences in the Tagus” by Francisca Rocha Gonçalves on Friday, February 21, 2025, curated by Inês Valle. This immersive sound exhibition will be on view until May 19, 2025, in the Sound Room of CAM–Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian.

As part of a parallel program designed to deepen the public’s understanding of Francisca Rocha Gonçalves’ research into the Tagus River ecosystem, she will also present the new live performance “Freeze: Frequencies Shaping Ecosystems” on February 22, 2025.

These artistic projects were developed during the– Art & Science Residency ‘A Call to the Sea‘, which took place at the Vasco da Gama Aquarium in 2024, as part of Oeiras Pilot in Portugal. This unique location provided Francisca with a unique environment to research and create her artistic response to critical ecological issues.

“Interferences in the Tagus” is an immersive sound installation that combines various sound frequencies to confront the pervasive yet often unnoticed impact of anthropogenic noise pollution on the natural environment, with a particular focus on the vocal species of the Tagus River.

“Freeze: Frequencies Shaping Ecosystems” is a live performance inspired by deep-listening research into the aquatic ecosystem of the Tagus Estuary. As light and sound gradually dissipate, ice sculptures will morph, evoking natural weather phenomena and the passage of time. The ice sculptures will eventually transform into a single drop of water, becoming part of CAM’s new garden ecosystem.

Francisca’s work explores the underwater acoustic environment of the Tagus River, highlighting the interplay between natural and anthropogenic sounds. By examining the vibrational characteristics of underwater soundscapes and the effects of human-made noises on aquatic species such as the Lusitanian toadfish and the corvina, she invites the audience to reflect on the complex interconnectedness of marine life and human activity.

The Art & Science Residency “A Call to the Sea” is one of three art residencies programs developed by Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in collaboration with the Oeiras and Lisbon Municipalities, as part of the Bauhaus of the Seas Sails Lighthouse Project. These residencies aim to bridge the gap between artistic expression and scientific understanding, fostering innovative solutions and raising awareness about aquatic ecosystems.

We invite you to explore “Interferences in the Tagus” until May 19, 2025, and to experience “Freeze: Frequencies Shaping Ecosystems” on February 22, 2025, at CAM–Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian.

Freeze: Frequencies Shaping Ecosystems, Francisca Rocha Gonçalves

Interferences in the Tagus, Courtesy of Fish Bioacoustics Lab