Hydrology 2.0 :: Media Mediterranea 27 H2O Interface

Hydrology 2.0 is a new Sound Walk created for Media Mediterranea 27 “H2O Interface”. This work is best experienced with headphones.

Hydrology 2.0 Sound Walk is a new immersive sound walk by Leah Barclay that invites festival participants to explore the hidden acoustic ecologies of global oceans and waterways. This technologically mediated listening journey transforms the site into a dynamic sonic environment that reveals the rich life beneath the surface of rivers, oceans, and lakes.

Drawing from over 300 hours of hydrophone recordings collected from global aquatic systems over a decade, this interdisciplinary project transforms scientific research into an artistic experience. The soundwalk bridges art, science, and environmental awareness, allowing participants to explore the soundscapes of global aquatic ecosystems in new ways.

Grounded in the intersection of art, science and technology, Hydrology 2.0 explores how sound can reveal hidden ecological information. The recordings demonstrate how listening can provide insights into environmental changes that are invisible to the naked eye. The soundwalk becomes a powerful sonic experience that reveals the complex acoustic ecology of aquatic ecosystems across the planet, challenges traditional modes of environmental perception, and demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding ecosystems. This immersive exploration features the voices of local communities alongside the underwater sounds, creating a multi-layered sonic narrative that connects human experience to water as a interface. Experience this unique premiere that invites you to listen deeply to our planet's waterways and discover the soundscapes flowing beneath the surface.

The sound walk will adapt and change throughout the festival, the full loop will take approximately 30 minutes to walk, and the sounds can be listened to in any order. It is recommended to walk slowly, walking into the active location will tigger the audio to play. This project runs as part of the exhibition from 28th of May till 6th July 2025.

About Media Mediterranea 27 “H2O Interface”: The 27th Media Mediterranea Festival, organized by the Metamedij Association, takes place from May 26 to 30, 2025. The theme of this year’s festival is “H₂O Interface.” The program includes a video screening section, a group exhibition, artist talks, lectures, a speculative design practice workshop, an accompanying pop-up exhibition, and a DJ party. This year, the festival will be held at the Small Roman Theatre (video wall of the Archaeological Museum of Istria building), Novo Gallery, the Pula Technical Culture Community, the Juraj Dobrila University of Pula (Faculty of Economics and Tourism), and the Kotač Club in the Rojc Community Center.