“The Privacy of Sound,” a workshop/performance by Layne Waerea, was an exploration of audio and sound capture in public spaces, emphasizing the performer’s discretion in manipulating volume levels, continuity, and duration. The event, held at the Adam Art Gallery and its surroundings, transformed into a dynamic workshop where participants collectively harvested both incidental and self-generated sounds.

Starting at noon, the participants spent over three hours recording various sounds, influenced by the day’s specific conditions at the site. These factors included the quality of recording devices, temperature, the number of people present, and the structural characteristics of the surroundings, which contributed to the unique acoustic experiences.

By 3 p.m., participants reconvened to share their auditory discoveries. The workshop aimed to create a unique gallery ‘noise,’ reflecting on the socio-legal aspects of sound in relation to performance art. The outcome was a rich tapestry of sounds, highlighting the diversity and unpredictability of auditory experiences in public spaces.

Photography by Robyn Jordaan