Oblique Cartographies - Wirksworth app for iPhone and iPad

Oblique Cartographies - Wirksworth is a series of site-specific sound-walks made by artist Andrew Brown. These can be accessed and experienced via the geolocation technology within this app.

Andrew Brown’s sound-walks seek to destabilize perceptions of and assumptions concerning our surroundings. These interventions expose historical residues within a specific location and inspire alternate and critical narratives. The sound-walks are composed of layers of field recordings captured along the route of the walk overlaid with found recordings, music and soundscapes that he has created.

The sound-walks are augmented by narrative mapping (Geoff Diego Litherland) and mobile phone photographic documentation (George Miles). The project is one of five commissions by D-Lab, a visual arts project from Arts Derbyshire that brings new digital art to Derbyshire.

Each sound-walk is site-specific and can only be experienced at its precise GPS location in Wirksworth, Derbyshire, England. The apps map will navigate you to the start point of each walk. Once at the start point a page will open where you can browse the map in more detail, read walking instructions and prepare yourself for the walk. The recording will begin automatically once you have arrived at the GPS location. You may use the ‘pause’ button to pause the recording at any point.

Make sure you have some headphones

Use in-ear buds or on-ear headphones and not the over-ear variety, as the intention is to allow some live sounds to interact with the recordings. Start with the volume at maximum and only turn it down if it becomes uncomfortable. Ensure you put headphones on the correct ears, as the recording is highly spatial.

Once the sound-walk begins put your phone away. It is recommended that you remain silent throughout to enjoy the full effect. Please note that there may be periods of silence on the recording.

If youre participating in the walk as a group you might like to synchronize the recordings.

It is important to stay aware of your surroundings throughout, as even though there are few points on public roads there may be other walkers or cyclists. The artists assume no responsibility for any injury, loss or damage, however caused, by those participating in the sound-walks.

The project is one of five commissions by D-Lab, a visual arts project from Arts Derbyshire that brings new digital art to Derbyshire. D-Lab is funded by Arts Council England and supported by Arts Derbyshire and Derbyshire County Council.