Aeolian Grove

Located in Xianglushan Village, Huangmei County, Hubei Province, this soundscape installation explores the local creativity of bamboo crafts with the technical support of local villagers and carpenter Wu Chuyun. The project aims to expand the possibilities of nature art in the region.

The modified and designed bamboo poles make a sound that resembles flutes when the wind blows, creating a resonance field on the farmland. The installation allows the villagers to listen to the wind while farming or resting in this meditation field. The work is created thanks to the local craft tradition, and it will stay on the land to contribute to the indigenous villagers.

The sound the wind produces is primarily random but can often create familiar melodies. The tone can be crisp or graceful, coarse or warm, allowing the wind to express its language. The character of the current determines the pitch and timbre of the bamboo chimes. Environmental conditions and time always affect wind direction and airflow pattern. A video was filmed during the transition from spring to summer when the south wind usually comes strongly from the Yongan Reservoir. Early in the morning, there is typically no wind or mild wind, so the bamboo sings solo in a precise and delicate fashion. The wind usually blows vigorously at noon, and the bamboo suddenly starts a resounding chorus. At dusk, the breeze dissipates, and the sound gradually fades away. When the temperature drops rapidly, or the rain comes, the north wind blows, causing the bamboo's tone quite sharp and bleak since the holes on the bamboo are mainly designed to face south.

This rural public artwork is rooted in the local village tradition, extending more vitality to the agricultural life and contributing back to the villagers. Being away from the fast-food and consumerist culture guides the villagers to realize their irreplaceable culture. The artwork is born in nature and adapts to its environment, opening up more awareness for the urban people. 

Most young people in Xianglushan Village have moved to the cities, while those left to farm are elderly aged 60-80. They had experience in craftsmanship when they were young, so they are carpenters, bamboo craftsmen, and farmers. Their crafts range from small handicrafts to house construction. Co-creation of contemporary art with the elderly villagers will help them discover more dimensions of their land during the fallow seasons. The original culture's diversity also attracts the attention of the surrounding areas.