The Role of Sonification in Sound Art

In the evolving landscape of sound art, sonification has emerged as a technique, transforming abstract data into auditory experiences. Sonification (converting data and material analogue anomalies into sound) has grown beyond its traditional roots in scientific and medical fields to become an integral tool in artistic expression. This fusion of data and auditory art broadens the scope of creative possibilities and enhances our understanding of the world through a unique sensory lens. Indeed, anyone who has ever recorded to tape or listened to vinyl records has encountered the hisses, tape wobble and pops resulting from the physical medium being run through the tape head or record needle.

Today's version of sonification is more nuanced (and perhaps even complex) by mapping data points to auditory parameters—such as pitch, volume, and timbre. Using these methods, Artists can create immersive soundscapes that reveal patterns and relationships otherwise hidden and follow on the heels of scientists whose investigations were meant to draw associations to fields such as physics, geology, biology, and chemistry. These translation methods allow for a richer interpretation of data, giving audiences a fresh perspective on familiar and unfamiliar subjects. One can see this in the works of Artist Katie Paterson’s Langjökull, Snæfellsjökull, and Solheimajökull, which were of particular importance in terms of drawing attention to climate change and the relationship of glacial meltwater and the capacity of humans to effect change on a massive scale.[1] Along the same ecological imperative, sound artist Mileece combines data to transform the bio-emissions of plants and people into audible works.[2]

Sonification has become much more mainstream, entering commercial work through musicians and electronic music artists like trained Musician and Youtuber Andrew Huang, who experiments with ambient plant music.[3] It has been picked up by younger generations with access to technologies and electronics that were previously unaffordable or used only within scientific contexts.

Sound profoundly impacts our emotions and cognition, often bypassing the analytical processes that govern visual interpretation. When data is 'sonified,' listeners establish a direct, immediate connection to the information. We understand how sound can alter our thought processes through the fields of sound therapy and the effects of noise exposure.[4] Beyond its artistic and scientific significance, sonification plays a practical role in improving data accessibility. For individuals with visual impairments or those who find data visualization challenging, auditory representations offer an alternative way to engage with data. By integrating sonification into sound art, artists can create experiences that enable a wider audience to understand and interact with other forms of information. Looking ahead, there may come a time when our relationship to other life forms on the planet is monitored for stress factors and overall health, and this approach may lean more towards non-anthropocentric concerns as species relate to one another.

Ultimately, the significance of sonification in sound art lies in its capacity to convert data into a multidimensional experience, aiding our understanding of everything from materials to biological and social systems. By harnessing the power of sound, artists can unlock new interpretive possibilities, deepen audience engagement, bridge disciplines, and enhance accessibility. As sound art continues to evolve, sonification will play a central role, enriching our understanding of the world and the creative potential of auditory exploration. This democratization of understanding complex information is a key aspect of sonification's role in sound art.

[1] Katie Paterson. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://katiepaterson.org/artwork/langjokull-snaefellsjokull-solheimajokull/.

[2] “About.” mileece. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://www.mileece.is/bio.

YouTube. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmWK4pnlfjE.

[3] YouTube. Accessed August 15, 2024. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmWK4pnlfjE.

[4] Jafari, Mohammad Javad, Reza Khosrowabadi, Soheila Khodakarim, and Farough Mohammadian. “The Effect of Noise Exposure on Cognitive Performance and Brain Activity Patterns.” Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences 7, no. 17 (August 30, 2019): 2924–31. https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2019.742.