SIRENS AND ROBOTS

Sirens and Robots is a collaborative installation between oceanographer Joan Llort and the vocal duo Tarta Relena. It is an installation that uses Argo marine robots, which, in their drift through the Mediterranean, capture data on water temperature. In search of the siren songs, this piece takes us on a journey to discover how they sound and what they have to tell us.

In a spacious and dark area of up to 150 m², 12 pools filled with water and 8 speakers are distributed. Visitors can move within this space, surrounding the water structures. Sound plays a central role in the experience, creating an immersive environment where the vibrations of the water and the movement of light intertwine, bringing the siren’s song to life.

The siren’s song promises to those who listen to it the knowledge of what they long for and the revelation of their destiny. However, the myth warns us of its enigmatic and dangerous nature: irresistible and fatal, they have led many to ruin. We only know that the sirens possess absolute knowledge of the world and the future, and that their song is a prophecy, an oracle in the middle of the sea. This myth reflects the uncertainty of climate change, which, like the sirens, warns us of an uncertain future. The Argo robots help us unravel the mysteries of the ocean and better understand the impact of climate change.

Sirens and Robots is a work created by Tarta Relena and Joan Llort, with art direction by Clàudia Torrents, sound implementation by Roc Jiménez de Cisneros, lighting design by Oscila, and space design by Clàudia Aguiló Vidal.