Art is often viewed as a visual medium, but there’s a growing recognition that engaging multiple senses can deepen and expand the impact of artwork. With more artists exploring sound, touch, and smell as tools for evoking responses, the blending of art and audio is an exciting space for both creators and audio professionals alike. New technologies are allowing immersive audio experiences that go beyond mere background noise, with sound becoming a vital and integral part of the art itself.
Sound as an Immersive Tool for Art
One of the remarkable things sound can do in a museum setting is to stop time and bring visitors into a present, deeply engaged state. The immersive power of sound offers a break from the constant bombardment of information and distractions in daily life. It creates a unique, curated journey that invites visitors to truly focus on the artwork and its surrounding atmosphere. Whether it’s a subtle hum of a distant conversation or a carefully designed soundscape that matches the theme of an exhibit, sound can enhance emotional responses and provide deeper context for understanding art.
Integrating Spatial Audio in Museum Experiences
Spatial audio, which positions sound within a 3D space, is revolutionizing how visitors experience art. A perfect example of this is the Japan Supernatural exhibit at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney. Through an innovative platform by Art Processors, visitors experienced a spatial soundscape that shifted based on their location. As they moved through the exhibit, they could choose whether to listen to a narrative voice or simply absorb the rich auditory atmosphere surrounding the artwork. This approach allowed visitors to control their experience, making the audio an active, responsive element that enhanced their understanding and enjoyment of the art.
This method of blending sound with visual elements is different from the traditional approach of background audio that merely accompanies an exhibit. Here, the sound is designed to be integral—responding to the visitor’s movements and choices, becoming as essential to the experience as the visual art itself.
Designing for Emotional and Cognitive Impact
Sound can connect directly with our emotions in ways that visuals alone cannot. In designing immersive spaces, curators and sound designers focus on creating a balance between emotional and cognitive experiences. Sound is often used to underscore or trigger specific emotional responses, guiding the viewer’s journey through the space. For instance, more intellectual or factual elements of an exhibit might be complemented with music or sounds that guide the visitor into an emotional moment, creating a dynamic narrative flow.
Accessibility in Audio Design
In the design of immersive audio experiences, accessibility is a central concern. Many museums and cultural institutions are now integrating accessible options for visitors with different needs, from closed captioning to sign language videos and sonified wayfinding for blind or low-vision individuals. These advancements are part of a broader effort to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can fully engage with the museum’s offerings.
The Future of Audio in Museums
The use of spatial audio is still evolving, but studies have shown its potential to significantly enhance the museum experience. In a study conducted in a Cognitive Immersive Room, participants showed a clear preference for soundscapes that were congruent with the exhibition’s theme. This approach was not only more immersive but also helped reduce distractions and increase focus. More than half of the participants preferred soundscapes that complemented the visual art, indicating that a well-designed auditory experience can deepen engagement with the art and the space.
References:
https://acoustics.org/enhancing-museum-experiences-the-impact-of-sounds-on-visitor-perception
https://www.aam-us.org/2022/08/26/transforming-museums-with-immersive-sound/
https://www.artprocessors.net/projects/art-gallery-new-south-wales-japan-supernatural
