Solace is an immersive sound and video installation inspired by The Sussex Downs that includes nature sound recordings collected by local people.

The interactive installation which features binaural scoundscapes and mirrored shapes, toured Seaford Crypt Gallery and Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft. The final iteration is Solace 360, a special virtual 'behind the scenes' experience from the project, which is live on our website. 

The work was created by artists Karen Tilley (installation, moving image) and Kevin Grist (sound, music), and responded differently to each of the galleries. The audiovisual piece invites audiences to ask questions about our relationship to open and urban space, our wellbeing and digital authenticity.

The wider project aimed to get more local people involved in experimental art, through a programme of artist talks and nature sound recording workshops.

Solace by Karen Tilley + Kevin Grist

Live now

Credit: Adam Smigielski

Solace 360

Now live! Solace 360 is a virtual 'behind the scenes' experience featuring exclusive content from the project. Highlights include audience feedback, project timeline and volunteers' reflective blog. 

Credit: SparkedEcho

Artist Q&A

Watch again. Artists Karen Tilley and Kevin Grist answer questions about their collaborative work 'Solace,' and what they learned from the experience. Originally hosted via Zoom on 17 April 2020.

Video and sound clips

Gallery

Project notes

SparkedEcho presents Solace (2019-20)

Moving image and sculpture: Karen Tilley
Music composition and soundscape: Kevin Grist
Project assistant: Janet Moore
Exhibition volunteers: Heather Shann and Pippa Sellers
Technical support: Jarlath Rice, Helen Stuart and David Hamilton
Funders: Arts Council England, East Sussex Arts Partnership
Thanks to our venues: Martyrs Gallery Lewes, Seven Sisters Country Park, Crypt Gallery Seaford, Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, Devonshire Collective Eastbourne

Testimonials

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Company

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I’d never usually come to something like this but I really enjoyed it. How long have humans influenced the landscape of Sussex? This will make you think!
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Exhibition visitor, The Crypt Gallery Seaford

Emily Peasgood

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Composer

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A surreal, almost magical experience. Sensory and enjoyable – very different to what I normally see in galleries.
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Exhibition visitor, The Crypt Gallery Seaford

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Thought-provoking and seems timely when climate change is urgent... A totally immersive experience. Something I’d expect to see at a larger gallery. Thank you so much for putting this on in Seaford!

Exhibition visitor, The Crypt Gallery Seaford

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We had a great morning with you making digital beats with sounds from nature. Thank you Karen and Kevin, can't wait for the exhibition in Eastbourne!
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Nature recording participant, Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft

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Very effective reflections on mirrors and plinths. The sounds and visuals work beautifully together, evolving and ever changing – like nature.
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​Exhibition visitor, The Crypt Gallery Seaford

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Extremely relaxing, thought-provoking and beautifully done. Very peaceful and contemplative.

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​Exhibition visitor, The Crypt Gallery Seaford

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My work is inspired by the everyday sounds and visual moments that people often overlook or miss. By collating and reforming these components, I invite the audience to immerse themselves in an experience otherwise unseen or unheard.

Karen Tilley, Visual Artist

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Thank you all for a fascinating morning. I am really interested in stepping deeper into video and sound recordings as we live in an area which is so rich in natural world ‘orchestra’!
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Nature recording participant, DC3 Eastbourne

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Funders & supporters