Chang Meng

Epoch is an immersive project that delves into the poignant transformation of coral reefs in the Anthropocene era amidst the pervasive impact of climate change. Combined with the sculptures, sound designs, and moving images, Epoch employs a multi-sensory approach to recreate the lost soundscape of coral reefs and aims to engross the audience and foster an emotional connection. As sentinel ecosystems, coral reefs exhibit both resilience and vulnerability, bearing witness to the profound repercussions that unfold. With their once-vibrant soundscapes fading into melancholic silence, mirroring the diminishing underwater biodiversity.

The project acknowledges the scientific community's use of soundscapes as a means to detect the health status of coral reefs. Informed by empirical evidence, the audio records used in the project originate from scientific research conducted by British marine biologists in the Indonesia area. By employing Python programming, the project translates the acoustic data into visual and auditory experiences, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the sonic world of coral reefs. The choice of 3D ceramic printing is deliberate, as it mimics the gradual layering process akin to the formation of fossils over time. Unlike traditional 3D printing processes, the collaboration between myself and the 3D ceramic printing machine in Epoch creates a unique dynamic. Each layer of the sculpture undergoes pre-determined accurate data translation, but it is also accompanied by manual adjustments. This interplay adds a sense of tension, vitality, and beauty to the final creation. The result is that every fossil sculpture produced is distinctive, embodying its own character and irreplaceable qualities.

By embracing the imperfections and inherent unpredictability of manual adjustments, Epoch celebrates the essence of individuality and uniqueness. Each sculpture serves as a testament to the passage of time and the fragility of once-thriving acoustic ecosystems. Additionally, digital monuments stand as symbolic representations of grief and remembrance. With the aid of digital technology, the project breathes life into these sculptures, allowing viewers to experience and interact with the soundscape of healthy coral reefs, creating a poignant juxtaposition with the present-day reality of decline.

Scientific support: Dr. Ben Williams, Dr. Timothy Lamont 

Credit and special thanks to Dr. Ben Williams and Dr. Timothy Lamont (original audio records and video)

Programming support: Yiyao Wei

Epoch Performance - Dance Theatre of Listening

2023, Dance Theatre of Listening

Dance Theatre of Listening is a collaborative performance that features dancers gracefully moving between sculptures and engaging with the audience. Handheld mini-moving speakers would create an immersive experience where the underwater soundscape envelops the ears of the spectators. The integration of sound and movement in this production aims to embody a harmonious fusion, providing an immersive and captivating experience for the audience. (Additional photographs will soon be made available on the artist's website)

Art Director: Chang Meng

Choreographer: Yijun Deng

Sound Producer: Sane Hansen

Special thanks: Sophie Clements, Nell Catchpole, MAP/Making Program

2023, Echoes of the Abyss

HD Live Generative Image, Stereo Sound, Projection, Laser, Synthesisers, Approx 10:00

Echoes of the Abyss is an interdisciplinary audio-visual performance that immerses the audience in the enchanting underwater soundscape, using an open-source audio live stream captured by hydrophones at a deep-sea cabled observatory. Through the transformative power of artificial intelligence, the project reveals the hidden sounds and unseen images from the ocean depths, inviting the audience to perceive the world through the lens of sound. By blending improvisational techniques in music, coding, and visual art, we hope to transcend performance boundaries. The project aims to cultivate appreciation for the intricate sonic landscapes of the oceans and raise awareness about the need to protect aquatic life from noise pollution and other human-induced threats. Through reflection and advocacy, Echoes of the Abyss seeks to inspire responsible stewardship and preservation of our fragile underwater ecosystems.

Concept: Bryan Yueshen Wu, Chang Meng, Shangyang Yu, Yiru Yan

Sound performer: Bryan Yueshen Wu, Shangyang Yu

Visual performer: Chang Meng, Yiru Yan

Project developed at: Royal College of Art Kensington

Project supported by: AiDLab, Murmur ensemble

Special thanks: Dr. Matt Lewis

Nova in St. James Church, 2023

Musical Instrument, Projection, Moving Image

Nova is an audio-visual concert that combines the enchanting elements of music and visuals, carefully curated to transport viewers on a journey beyond the confines of reality. 

a cosmic dance of life,

a symbol of the eternal, 

a moment of transformation, 

a reminder of our inner light, 

the spark of divinity that shines so bright.

Composer: Suting Han

Visual Artist: Chang Meng

Guitar: Gus McQuade

Accordion: Jinjie Kang

2023, Abberation,

Metaverse VR Game, interactive

Climate change accelerates the aberration process for non-humans. As the unstoppable creating process, it will continually produce more adaptive aberration to resilient this world. We create an aberration world through digital technology, generating an immersive experience for audiences to explore the abnormal world. All efforts aim to call for attention and action on climate change issues.

In Collaboration with:

Shangyang Yu

Changming Sun

Jiaqi Shi

Wen Shi

Sijia Chang