Poland

Liquid Tongues is an audio-video installation by Bogna Burska and Daniel Kotowski, in which the Chór w Ruchu (Choir in Motion), featuring both hearing and Deaf people, does interpretations of whale communication codes and songs — both in phonic English and international sign language (IS). The project seeks alternative modes of communication, inspired by more-then-human life.

Through tales of loss and reconstruction, from the rebirth of whale cultures to attempts to restore marginalised languages, and narratives of communication systems, the installation operates on many levels: image (cinematography by Magda Mosiewicz and Bogna Burska), sound (composed by Aleksandra Gryka), and physical experience through acoustic waves. The collective choreography of the bodies of the choir is inspired by the movement of schools of fish (Alicja Czyczel).

Deaf Gain understands the notion of deafness not as a disability, but as a separate culture and identity, offering new perspectives and forms of expression. The team creates a significant amount of its audio and video material in the water, where Deaf people can freely communicate with sign language, while hearing people make distorted sounds. The boundary between air and water is an experimental space, a mirror of sorts where senses intersect.