Geosolutions Leeds will support an immersive art project

The Geomechanics Laboratory at Geosolutions Leeds will be used in an immersive art project 'Voices of Coal' developed by a Time Network Artist Debbie Harman.

The triaxial rock deformation apparatus will help with the sound extraction from the Kellingley Coal for the immersive experience.

'Voices of Coal' will explore the future after coal while paying homage to the mining past. The project strives to form deeper bonds with the land through sensory ethnography and sound. The hybrid XR project encourages viewers to reassess their relationship with nature through immersive projection, VR Filmmaking and Experimental Sound Design.

The inspiration for this experience stems from Debbie Harman’s earlier photography project, Power, which she developed during her time living and working on power sites.

Debbie describes this work as an emotional geo-narrative.  An immersive experience that is excavating voices from the land, particularly mining sites around Wakefield.

Debbie was chosen as Sheffield Documentary Film Festival AR Talent 2024. The project has also been supported via workshops with Live Cinema UK, CULTVR Cardiff, Mediale and Alexander Whitley Dance Studio and XR Stories at York University. Dr Stefan Skirmish from the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science has also offered some research support around shared themes of extinction studies and grief.

‘Voices of Coal’  will be exhibited at The National Coal Mining Museum winter 2025.