Astronautical
Ambient Electroacoustic Immersion
Astronautical is an experimental west coast duo based on the lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) commonly known as Vancouver, BC. Mixed-media artists Ruby Singh and Andrea Wong share a passion for traditional folk and classical instruments, natural soundscapes, and experimentation; their audiovisual collaborations live between cultural, geographic, and generational worlds. Astronautical’s creative goals stand to explore traditions of their Asian heritages, capture the soundscapes and imagery of our world today, and reimagine them with today’s technologies. Using musical instruments and electronic manipulations, they set out to navigate rich cultural histories and forge sound and visuals of the natural world to create works that speak for the beauty and wonder found in the spaces we reside. Astronautical is on an artistic voyage to map the harmony and dissonance between worlds, people, and nature by celebrating the interdependence that connects us all.
Beginnings
Ruby and Andrea started collaborating in 2021 as part of an extended reality (XR) workshop, UNION Immersed, guided by Kiran Bhumber and Nancy Lee.
Their first collaborative work Space Garden, an interactive live performance premiered in November 2021, was co-presented by Vancouver New Music, INTER/MEDIATE and CURRENT, in partnership with The Roundhouse.
// Space Garden | Interactive Mixed-Media Installation & Performance for Game Controller, Mbira, Tambura, Guzheng, Electric Violin, and Electronics (2021)
Members
This interactive mixed-media installation and performance was created as part of an artist residency program, UNION Immersed, led by Kiran Bhumber and Nancy Lee and hosted by Vancouver New Music, INTER/MEDIATE, CURRENT, and the Roundhouse Community Centre. This workshop comprised of developing WebXR spaces through the platform Mozilla Hubs. More information about this residency can be found at https://www.unionimmersed.xyz/.
"Space Garden" is a 6-channel structured improvisatory performance led by audience interactions with the installation's virtual WebXR space. In its premiere performance, audience members explored this digital space via a game controller; their navigation choices determined the instrumentation, poetry, and improvisatory choices of the artists. This performance explores a meditative garden of 360° video domes, wisps of folk instrumentals, poetry, and spacious vocals sown throughout a floating galactic island.