Mangroves are complex, dynamic habitats shaped by interwoven relationships between species, land, and water. Yet, their acoustic environments, influenced by tides, wind, animal movement, and complex rhythms, remain largely unexplored. Future Sonic Ecologies invites audiences to experience immersive sound installations, field recordings and visual materials that highlight these multispecies voices and environmental signals.
Underpinned by Pratyay Raha’s PhD research at RMIT University’s School of Art, this exhibition highlights listening as an active, critical method for engagement, urging audiences to attune to non-human worlds and question human-centric perspectives. It considers sound both as scientific data and as a medium for speculative art, encouraging discussions on conservation, environmental change and regenerative futures. The materials featured in the exhibition were recorded across various mangrove ecologies in India’s Sundarbans, as well as in Mornington Peninsula, Victoria and North Stradbroke Island, Queensland, in Australia.
Through sensory engagement and collective reflection, Future Sonic Ecologies aims to deepen our understanding of mangrove environments and inspire responsive action for their protection, reminding us that the future of these worlds depends on listening, collaboration, and care across species boundaries.
Future Sonic Ecologies: Re-making mangrove worlds through posthuman soundscape(s) is a part of the On-Site exhibition suite, a project showcasing the creative research of RMIT postgraduate candidates.
Join us to celebrate the opening of this exhibition, Wednesday 25 February from 5–7pm at First Site Gallery.
Thumbnail image: 'Mangroves in the Sundarbans', Satjelia Island, 2024. Image courtesy of Pratyay Raha.
