Sound artist and composer Aki Onda will present his first Australian exhibition at The Substation, exploring the relationship between sound, memory and physical space.
Middle of a Moment, presented by The Substation and Asia TOPA, transforms the Newport venue’s galleries into a multi-sensory installation examining human presence through sound installations and performance.
The exhibition features several of Onda’s major works, including an extensive handbell collection and Nam June’s Spirit Was Speaking To Me, an exploration of language resonance.
Aki Onda at The Substation
- Wed 21 Feb – Opening event & bell performance, 6-8pm
- Wed 21 Feb – Live performance featuring Fabio Perletta and Siri Sirasith, 8-10.30pm
- Thu 22 Feb – Artist talk, 1pm
- Exhibition runs until Fri 12 April
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Curated by sound artist Lawrence English, the exhibition marks a significant milestone for The Substation’s contemporary arts program, bringing one of Japan’s most celebrated artists to Australian audiences.
The opening night features two distinct events, beginning with Onda performing with their handbell collection in response to The Substation’s architecture. This is followed by a special performance alongside Italian musician Fabio Perletta and Bangkok/Naarm artist Siri Sirasith.
Based in Mito, Japan, Onda has exhibited and performed at major international venues including MoMA, the Pompidou Center, and the Nam June Paik Art Center. Their practice spans genres including art, film, music and performance, with notable works including the ongoing project Cassette Memories, which draws from three decades of field recordings.
The artist has collaborated with prominent figures including Michael Snow, Ken Jacobs, and Annea Lockwood, while also working as a curator across Asia and North America. Onda previously served as Guest Director of TPAM-Performing Arts Meeting in Yokohama and currently holds the position of Curator-at-Large at Western Front, Vancouver.
Tickets for the opening night performance are priced at $35 general admission, with concession and First Nations/Hobsons Bay Local tickets available at $30. The exhibition runs until April 12 at The Substation, Newport.