ROAMING SILENCE, 2024

As the artist began losing her hearing, the urgency of archiving memory through everyday sounds became more pressing. This work invites viewers to gain a deeper understanding of hearing loss and relate to the artist's personal experience of losing the ability to appreciate the mundane. All audio was captured through Thiel's hearing aids in her hometown of Tucson, Arizona, USA, serving as an archive of intimate moments by placing participants in direct contact with the notion of loss. The viewer's journey is central as they navigate the space without mediation or interference from the artist, encouraging contemplation of the senses through listening and self-guided movement while highlighting the fragility of sound.

Twenty-four isolated soundtracks play simultaneously in the room through twenty-four speakers, increasing in volume as the viewer approaches each speaker, showcasing moments such as the artist's father playing piano, conversations with family and friends, and the silence found on a mountain top.

Roaming Silence has been exhibited in Paris, France at IRCAM and recreated in an online environment to increase access to the work.

Below is the audio only - for the best listening experience, please wear headphones.