Sonification

Shifting Datum

Shifting Datum was accepted by the 9th Annual Gulf South Open Call Exhibition that featuring works by 54 multimedia artists from the Gulf coast states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, and Texas; and it was exhibited in the Contemporary Arts Center(CAC) in New Orleans for 2 months. Ka Hei Cheng was responsible for the 4-channel audio that incorporates music and documentation of  residences’ livelihood in Louisiana. 

What if New Orleans sinks beneath the waves by the end of the century? How can we save our community and its vibrant culture?

Shifting Datum critically examines the relationship between New Orleans – a city much of which is at or below current sea level – and changes in relative sea level. Shifting Datum casts a red laser line moved by a linear actuator across 3D printed models of New Orleans, marking the projected relative sea level rise year by year for this century. Through the Shifting Datum, we hope our audience will become more mindful about our environment and think about how to coexist with nature.