Sounds of Tomorrow – The Oracle Tree is a 2-channel sound installation inside of a beautiful, majestic pine tree located in a prominent spot within phase one of Houston’s Exploration Green Conservancy. Currently on view, around the tree are benches that offer park goers somewhere to sit and enjoy the brilliant surroundings of the island in the center of the lake. Though Exploration Green Conservancy is relatively new, it is already home to hundreds of birds including ducks, egrets and more.
Two small speakers mounted in the tree play sounds relating to tomorrow’s weather. The soundtracks, recorded by Dib, feature various textures and open-air recordings from the park, as well as collected sounds of insects, birds and other species. Park visitors can sit on Dib’s benches and listen to Sounds of Tomorrow – The Oracle Tree to hear tomorrow’s forecast and learn about current inhabitants of the conservancy through her installation.
Commissioned by the City of Houston, Administered by Art League Houston.
Programming by Taylor Knapps.
www.insta11ations.com/artists/lina-dib
Bibliography and Reviews:
Gipson, A. 2021. “Public Art Series Takes Over Houston’s 11 Council Districts,” Houstonia, Dec 2.
McFadden, M. 2021. “Insta11ations: Public Art, Engagement, and Possibility,” Cite, August 18.
“Art League Houston’s ‘Insta11ations’ Continued: Lina Dib,” Glasstire, June 14.