Rotation of Sound
A landscape artwork inspired by various aspects of research into the shepherds of the Quípar Valley. Rotation of Sound translates the importance of the senses in the work of a shepherd in combination with the flock, which moves as a single organism.
Each shepherd has his personal unique way of communicating with his flock of sheep and his assisting dogs. Unique calls and whistles that can be used for different situations. Also not one herd sounds the same. Each sheep wears a handmade bell, all of them being unique. You’d have to listen well to hear that every flock has a different sound.
‘‘ It acts like a piano. It's a harmony, it's like a melody. It's art, let's say. ’’
Because of this oasis of sound, you often hear the flock before you see them.
The rotating shape you see in the landscape artwork is based on a common walking pattern of a flock of sheep. The core of the flock is the safest place, and every sheep prefers to walk in the middle of the group. The docile behaviour of the animals creates a continuous rotating movement.
This work has been on display since July 2025 in the landscape of La Junquera, located in Murcia, southern Spain. This is where we first came into contact with the herd of shepherd Juanma.
This research was exhibited at the Kunst 10 daagse (Art 10 Days) in Bergen last October 2025. On display was an interactive installation of two videos highlighting the beauty of shepherding. This was supported by a photo book emphasising the importance of this profession for the landscape and the animals. The photo book and postcards are available for purchase.
2025
