Signal-on-Sea : Why Irvine’s sound-art spectacle is worth a visit

Beach-goers behold! If this week’s scorching summertime temperatures are tempting you to travel to Irvine, you might be in for a surprise.

Dutch double-act Strijbos & Van Rijswijk have set their sights on Scottish coastal hot-spot Irvine as part of their latest sound-art project: “Signal-on-Sea”. Hosted by Glasgow-based art collective “Cryptic”, it’s entirely free and runs from the 16th to the 25th of July.

The art installation comes in the form of 24 long-form speakers, broadcasting an ambient siren-song along the sandy shores, making for an enchanting seaside experience that art-lovers, locals and beach visitors alike can enjoy.

On their website, artists Strijbos & Van Rijswijk said:

“We inspire imagination through sound. Our installations and compositions transform everyday locations, objects, spaces and people.”

This is not the first open-air sound-art project that the Scandinavian sound-artists have curated. Over the years, a plethora of different European locations have been the backdrop to the pair’s artwork, as part of their “SIGNAL” series, which is often held in unorthodox places. Most notably; Alongside the River Rotte in the Netherlands, within a nature reserve and even at a German war memorial.

“Signal at Dusk”, a previous work that was part of the series

What pinpoints “Signal-on-Sea” as a standout in comparison to its sister-pieces is the intricate creative process that Strijbos & Van Rijswijk put into crafting their hypnotic coastal chorus. While producing the sound-art, the pair developed their very own musical instrument – “S.I.G.N.A.L.”. It’s designed specifically for the Irvine exhibit and allows their recordings to transmit across vast distances in outdoor areas, which is particularly useful for large-scale projects like this.

Upon first glance, “Signal-on-Sea” is rather understated. Apart from the tall speakers planted along the shore, not much on the beach has changed. Take a walk through the exhibit, however and you’ll find yourself quickly immersed in Signal’s bewitching stretch of sound. Strijbos & Van Rijswijk hope that an experimental artwork like “Signal” can transform their audience’s perspective of the beach, which for some will be a very familiar face.

It’s certainly an abstract piece, and like most of its kind – completely up to interpretation. However, artists Strijbos & Van Rijswijk have suggested that “Signal-on-Sea” is an attempt to deliver a cautionary message to visitors about climate change along our coastlines. On their website, they said:

“…We particularly welcome people to reflect on their relationship with the natural environment, and also the consequences and questions that are arising given the impact of the current climate crisis, especially along our coastlines.”

With COP26 taking place in Glasgow this November, a climate-conscious art exhibit couldn’t have come at a better time with the eyes of the Scottish public firmly turned towards our environmental issues.

One visitor said:

“When you’re walking along, you have to stop a couple of times just to listen. It’s very relaxing music.”

Another visitor said:

“There’s lots of really nice harmonies that contrast with the sounds of people playing football and things like that, it’s a really interesting space.”

The event, which is open from 12:00 PM until 10:30 PM, is supported by EventScotland during Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 20/21. Social distancing guidelines are in place and all visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings. There is no need to book in advance if you’re thinking of attending, as there will be considerable space between visitors.

You can listen to the soundtrack to “Signal-on-Sea” here.