Christine Sun Kim’s film focuses on ‘reclaiming ownership’ of sound. By creating installation and performance which translates sound into kinetic and visual forms CK beautifully explores and challenges the proprietorship of sound by those who can hear.
As CK discusses her work through sub-titled sign language she refers to experiences growing up where she felt frustrated trying to communicate with her parents. She also described how she was discouraged from making sound and how these experiences made her feel chocked and stifled. CK describes being taught that sound was the property of those who naturally have access to it.
I found this film thought prevoking in several ways.
Far beyond articulating the loss or lack of a sense, CKs work forces an audience to consider social power and privilege in relation to ability.
This element made me consider potential power imbalances related to disability in the learning environment. As well as ‘accommodating’ the needs of a student with a disability I must consider ways students with a disability can feel disenfranchised or excluded beyond the practical.
The film also demonstrates how artistic expression can be such a powerful tool to promote understanding and reflection in an audience.
I caused me to reflect on the artist and designer references I show students. Guiding students towards reference material created by and reflecting the experiences of disabled people is clearly a key element in forming empathetic and inclusive environments and practitioners.
Lastly, the film, particularly when CK explains how her work has developed based on the negative experiences she had with sound in childhood, reminds me how cathartic and transformational artistic expression can be.
For this type of expression (the type with potential for reflection, growth and healing) to be possible It’s imperative that teachers create a space where students feel safe enough to be vulnerable in this way.