Zhang Yining (Yini) is an experimental artist communication designer and based in London and Shanghai. Graduated from China Academy of Art with a bachelor's degree and is currently studying Information Experience Design at the Royal College of Art.
Her work is experimental and exploratory, focusing on human experiences and connections to physical places. She wants to revive nature connections through art, technology and experience.
How do we listen to a space and what makes the experience of that space special? Are we practising something different when we walk in 'marginalised areas’?
During my RCA journey, I explore the relationship between humans and nature and the interaction between them. My work combines sound with unique experience design. It uses visual and auditory stimuli to communicate.
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How do we listen to a space and what makes the experience of that space special? Is psychogeography limited to the city center? Are we practising something different when we walk in 'marginalised areas'?
I argue that this work proposes a model of observation - a sound-led walk recorded in the form of a map - that is more akin to the generative wandering of psychogeographers. The aim is to encourage participants to listen differently and to explore sounds in relation to their environment. On the other hand, understanding our own voices in the context of our environment. It is through conscious listening that we can get a better idea of what exists around us and begin to appreciate the overall acoustic environment around us.
The work consists of four journeys alongside the Grand Union Canal. In this exploration of psychogeography, I focus on the relationship between sound, body, and space. A total of 26 key points are captured in photographs, videos and recordings, interviews, and my own thoughts and associations during my walks along the Grand Union Canal. The work includes the sounds of nature, of building sites, of boats, cars and trains, or of passers-by talking - all recorded along the canal.
In addition, you can upload images or sounds you have taken, or any canal-related stories on my website. I'm looking forward to working with you to complete this archive about the canal.
This painting is how I feel about my entire journey. Materials used to create mixed media art include materials I picked up while walking along the canal, such as leaves, branches, dirt, tile fragments, poster fragments, and more.
