The Rite of Swing is not just a photo series. It is a series in which each image is combined with a unique binaural sound design. The Rite of Swing presents the importance of the shared experience of art and culture. A roaring concert hall, sweaty dance floor, entrance hall full of expectation. When we dive into this experience, an energy is created that is unparalleled. Art and culture offer us the opportunity to connect with each other, an essential element for all people. But the Corona lockdowns we have faced over the past year have put a stop to this vital collective energy. Most stories move forward, some go backwards, but this story is about standing still, which is why I chose the art of photography. The series represents the freeze mode we have all been in due to the lockdowns. The photos are presented in light boxes (70x 90cm) as a hint to a film still. It feels as if the image could start moving again at any moment. To immerse the viewer in that sense of collective experience, a sound design of ± 1 minute is created for each photo. It puts you in the place of the portrayed person, yet in a well-filled space with people 360° around you. The lively energy of the portrayed matches the energy of the sound experience. Yet it counters the empty space, which remind us of the mutability of the present. The project is not only a tribute, but also a reminder of the importance of the shared experience.
