MEDIATHEK

Scientists identify three simple rules that enable the movement of bird flocks: separation, alignment and cohesion. Informed by studies in bird flocking and queer ecology, Aeon is a participatory experiment of movement, sound and group behaviour that questions what it means to be ‘natural’. It considers the emergent aesthetics and micro-politics of bodies organising and being organised. Described as a convergence of silent walking meditation, a yoga class and a queer dance party, it is implemented by a group of artists who inflect the audience experience through an improvised, socialised, movement score. Aeon is site-responsive for public parks. The audience begins in separate flocks that are given different start points–all unaware of the other groups. Audiences are met by artist-hosts who give them handheld speakers and cards with lines of text. Aeon is participatory–there's an agreement to walk and remain unspeaking. Otherwise, no instruction is given about what people should do. Participants navigate their own engagement in the unfolding process. The utterances from the cards become hovering frames that may occasionally articulate a passing moment. The shape and direction of the flock morphs, informed by performers whose presence is increasingly revealed over time. The speakers create a sonic cloud around the travelling group. This spatialised composition is in constant flux according to the movement of each individual, the group and the surrounding environment.