Forest Waves

"Forest Waves” is a sound installation that aims to communicate the degradation of the Portuguese forest throughout the last decades, a unique ecosystem in a continuous state of decline and degradation due to human impact and the widespread of introduced species such as the eucalyptus.

The installation uses two techniques to convey information: soundscapes and data sonification. The soundscapes were recorded in two distinct areas of Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês: in Mata da Albergaria (an autochthonous forest) and a eucalyptus plantation. The data sonification is a musical composition created with data related to the occupied area in the national territory by specific species, translating their evolution thorough the years.

‘Forest Waves’ seeks to explore new ways to communicate science, taking advantage of the artistic medium’s great potential to convey qualitative information by appealing to the audience’s sensibilities and emotions.

Luís Luzia is a twenty-three year old multidisciplinar artist from Vila Nova de Gaia. In 2019 he concluded a bachelor’s degree in Biology from Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, where he developed a strong interest for the divulgation and preservation of the beauty and diversity found in the Portuguese natural patrimony. However, a will to find new ways to communicate science outside of traditional mediums took him to a master’s degree in Multimedia from Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, focusing on interactive music and sound design. Besides doing sound installations, Luís is also a musician, illustrator, and visual artist.