Exhibited first as a part of Gasworks Arts Precinct’s From Nature exhibition in ‘Albert Park’, ‘Victoria’, Boon Wurrung Country in 2017, and subsequently revised and exhibited with Banyule council support within ‘Wilson Reserve’ in ‘Ivanhoe’, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country, in 2020, Behind all worlds, begins with a path. Entered one way and exited another, this path led to an area partially enclosed by sheer black fabric. Along the path, audience members were asked by signs to listen as closely as they could to the immediate soundscape and imagine what it would be like to listen as an animal.

Using existing bushes and highlighting the established path already running through them, Behind all worlds consisted of a dirt path, temporarily outlined by contrasting white wheat flour, leading an audience member towards an opening amongst established bushes. Strips of black semi-sheer curtain, hung from appropriate branches and bamboo supports, surrounded this opening – adding to a sense of enclosed darkness even during the day. Displayed throughout the installation were signs asking questions – visually disrupting the audience from their anticipated experience of a natural environment whilst also asking them to deeply consider the things they heard and felt within that same environment. The veiled darkness the path leads to is both disquieting and inviting. Ushering audience members deep within this natural environment, Behind all worlds, via signage along its path, asked:

How quiet can you be as you move?
Can you listen like an animal?
What can you hear?
How closely can you listen?
What is the quietest sound you can hear?
What can you see once you hear?
How do you feel as you listen?
What comes to mind?