Xiaoyu Chen

"Fragmented Frequencies"

Section MS5, Lilly Markaki

Keywords: moving image, sound music, pollution, time, nature, memory

Noise is the city's eternal companion, an indispensable part of our daily lives. A train arriving every three minutes, the unceasing rumble of its wheels, is the soundtrack of the city, influencing the way we perceive the world. Noise transcends its surface; it embodies a pattern of multiplicity, repetition, and sequence, intricately interwoven with our environment and psyche.

Fragmented Frequencies aims to explore the complexity of noise, from its impact on the environment to individual psychological responses. By integrating multimedia elements, such as sound and video, the project delves into the intricacies of train sounds, often regarded as an inevitable disruption yet vital in shaping the sensory landscape of the city.

Inspired by Lawrence Abu Hamdan and Christoph Cox's exploratory methods, Fragmented Frequencies asks wider questions about the relationship between memory and sound, whether sound can be recorded as an image, and more.

Beginning with recording train noise near my home, the film attempts to document and invite analysis of noise, patterns of overlap, repetition, and sequence. By blending train sounds with whistles reminiscent of war, Fragmented Frequencies also evokes memories of past traumas tied to railways, prompting reflection on the impact of sound on memory and psychological well-being. As it navigates the complexities of noise, the project ponder the evolution of our perceptions and understanding of sound (and trains!) in our era.