The shifting nature of the North Norfolk coast is evoked through the subtle choreography of voice, natural sounds, video, photography and sensor data in this new multimedia poetry collection by Mona Arshi, opening next week at NWT Cley and Salthouse Marshes.
‘Hurry now you bright-eyed dark-throated / chanters of the Cley.’ – Mona Arshi
Inspired by and recorded at the stunning scenery of Cley Marshes nature reserve, Arshi draws on the ancient Arabic poetry form of ghazal, combined with cutting edge audio techniques from sound artist Peter Cusack and beautiful imagery from Norfolk-based photographer Matthew Usher, to conjure this vibrant and elemental landscape.
Birdsong, wind in the reeds and distant waves entwine with the poet’s voice to create a polyphonic immersive experience – as if the poems are rising out of the shoreline itself.
During your visit to the installation at Cley Marshes, you can also try the ‘field audio’ version of the work on your own phone, where you will also be able to listen to location specific excerpts on your phone as you explore the reserve, visitor centre and bird hides - or
access an online version.
This work, generously supported by Arts Council England, is part of the UEA’s ‘Future and Form’ series of works, premiering at the Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2021, designed to explore the interface between contemporary literature and creative technology.
To guarantee your place, please book a time slot between the 21st and 31st May via the
Norwich and Norfolk Festival website. Between 31 May -28 June, the exhibition will be open and un-ticketed with limited availability each day. Please contact Cley Visitor Centre (01263 740008) in advance of your visit to confirm availability throughout June.
On Friday 21 May Mona will read from her new work and discuss the multimedia poetry installation at Cley. The event will include a visit to the installation, a discussion and a walk around the reserve.
Time: 5:30pm-9:30pm
Cost: £9 NWT members, £11 non-members (ticket only)
Booking essential: 01263 740008