SONIC DRIFT
SONIC DRIFT is a new iteration of Coral Sonic Resilience. Made from bio-based materials such as ceramics and calcium carbonate, the 3D-printed horns function as speakers, broadcasting a layered soundscape composed by the artist. Their forms are algorithmically generated from the topography, geology, and shell remains of Dadaepo Beach, embedding the site’s material memory into the structure itself. Entirely powered by solar energy, the installation operates independently and sustainably within its environment.
The soundscape unfolds in eight sound chapters, merging diverse acoustic elements: underwater recordings of marine biodiversity—including bluefin gurnard, snapping shrimp, redlip croaker, and dolphins among others—provided by KIOST and GeoSystem Research Corporation; Barotti’s own field recordings from nearby marine protected areas such as Namu Island, interwoven with Hurisorī, a traditional chant sung by Dadaepo’s fishing communities. Together, these layers interweave ecological rhythms with ancestral ritual.
Situated in one of Northeast Asia’s busiest maritime zones, the work underscores the impact of anthropogenic noise on marine life and the broader acoustic ecology. Echoing Barotti’s larger vision of sonic resilience—where sound becomes a tool for environmental regeneration—this sculpture amplifies the often-inaudible layers of the ocean, bringing them into public consciousness. It invites visitors to attune to the vibrational undercurrents of Busan’s coastal landscape and reconsider the silent dissonance between industry, ritual, and the sea.
CREDITS
SONIC DRIFT is a project by Marco Barotti, in cooperation with Busan Biennale, Sea Art Festival, Zer01ne, Wasp and Kiost.
Team
Curated by Keumhwa Kim and Bernard Vienat
Solar Station Buoy design and implementation: Alles Blinkt, Benjamin Mouse
Research and project coordination: Doyeon Kim
Photos: Marco Barotti
Video: Swan Park
Design: Studio Marco Barotti, Jonathan Wellmann
Text: Keumhwa Kim
3D printing: Marco Barotti, WASP technical team
Metal constructions: Ferdinand Hansen
Commisioned by the Busan Biennale, Sea Art Festival
Technical Partner WASP, The sculptures were finalized and 3D printed at WASP during the artist in residency program.
Supported by Zer01ne
Special thanx to Taiyun Kim, Sea Art Festival team, Massimo Moretti, Nicola Schiavarelli, Francesca Moretti, Alessandro Severi, Imene Abidi and the WASP team, Carola Chicco, Jaha Kwon, Jaehyeong Lee, Jaekuk Ahn, Mattia Rasori, June Anderegg Barotti, Anna Anderegg, Federico Visi