Interview by William Chan
Local musicians Dave Wan and Manuel Variz talked to The Macau Post Daily this past Sunday about their hypnotic handpan band Náv which hosted a sound meditation workshop at the Old Iec Long Firecracker Factory site later that day.
The workshop was an extension of the public artwork called Macao Pointcloud Garden, situated at the erstwhile firecracker factory. Created by French-American artist Clement Valla and curated by local artist Lam Sio Man, the installation consists of a 3D scanned point data collection that aims to represent local diverse flora and gardens.
According to a statement about the public artwork, Valla extensively researched Macau’s botanical history to identify intriguing and culturally significant plants and gardens. Using algorithms, software and data, he recreated them as vivid and intricate digital representations. These captivating displays are brought to life on custom-made LED screens, showcasing the plant’s colours, scales, and speeds, the statement points out.
Wan and Variz underlined that Náv’s music unfolds as they craft meditative soundscapes, creating a unique sonic identity through a captivating fusion of potent percussive grooves and enchanting melodies. Variz added that the band has been creating original music, performing at various music scenes, from festivals to intimate gigs. Currently, the band is working on a new album that focuses on creating a meditative experience.
During the workshop, Náv performed in a ground-floor room with windows overlooking the natural environment and the art installation. The room’s acoustics created an atmosphere akin to that of a temple. The duo expressed excitement about experimenting with the reception of their music in the context of their new album, particularly because the workshop centred around sound meditation.
Variz said that Náv employs new age instruments, including modern handpans, didgeridoos from Australia, and Asian gongs. These instruments are often associated with world music due to their diverse cultural backgrounds, yet they share soothing and atmospheric qualities, often incorporating elements of natural sounds and ambient textures. Variz noted that these instruments are beneficial for anxiety relief, stress reduction, and inducing a meditative state, providing an enjoyable musical experience.
According to Wan, their music is more freestyle compared to classical music, which focuses on form and reading scores. The duo found that the instruments they use share profound frequencies, creating a strong connection between them and offering a shamanic-like experience. Furthermore, Variz highlighted the accessibility of these instruments in terms of learning and playing together, noting that they will be hosting another workshop this coming Sunday afternoon to invite people to join and learn alongside them.
Lam, the curator of the art installation, took a moment to mention before the meditation session that this coming Sunday will mark the final day of the exhibition. She highlighted the unique transformation of the Old Iec Long Firecracker Factory into a rare public garden amidst the city’s concrete landscape. This space provides a nurturing environment for ancient trees that predate the factory itself, she said, emphasising that in addition to showcasing Valla’s artwork, which merges nature and technology, they have utilised this almost forgotten terrain to host a variety of workshops, including yoga, family activities, and music sessions. These events aim to reconnect urban dwellers with nature and foster a symbiotic coexistence of urban and rural elements, she said.
Lam extended an invitation to anyone interested to visit the exhibition, appreciate Valla’s artwork, and participate in the session, thus immersing themselves in the harmonious blend of nature and artistic expression. The exhibition is free of charge and open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., except on Wednesday afternoons when it is closed.
French-American artist Clement Valla addresses the opening ceremony on October 14.
Local hypnotic handpan band Náv performs during the opening ceremony of the Macao Pointcloud Garden event on October 14. – Photos: William Chan
Náv performs during the sound meditation workshop last Sunday.
Local curator Lam Sio Man addresses the audience at the Old Iec Long Firecracker Factory on October 14.
