Natural Radio Workshop led by artist Ong Kian Peng
Workshop

Natural Radio Workshop led by artist Ong Kian Peng

Saturday, 21 December 2024 · 2:00 - 5:00 PM

This workshop will introduce participants to natural radio. Natural radio is the emission of Very Low Frequency (VLF) and Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) radio waves due to electromagnetic energy from natural phenomena. These emissions originate terrestrially from lightning and from the Sun’s interactions with the Earth’s magnetosphere, they are among the inaudible voices of the environment. If the low frequencies of these electromagnetic outbursts are transformed into acoustic waves, many of these signals may fall within the range of human hearing. Experiencing electromagnetic waves as acoustic waves will allow listeners to connect with the beauty and complexity of natural radio waves in a unique aural experience.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to assemble an analogue handheld radio device that tunes in to natural radio frequencies.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own headphones with a 3.5mm audio jack, along with an optional audio recorder to capture and share their auditory discoveries.

This workshop is part of the Empirical Workshop Series of Communities of Practice. Techno Diversions.

This workshop is suitable for age 18 and above.
No prior knowledge of electronics is required.

Images
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a man giving a lecture
Entangled Uncertainties, Presentations by Dr Eugene Chua (NTU) and artist Boedi Widjaja (Indonesia/Singapore) followed by a conversation with artist Ong Kian Peng. Communities of Practice. Techno Diversions. 12 February 2024. Photo by Eunice Lacaste. Courtesy NTU Centre for Contemporary Art.
a hand holding a audio recording device.
Entangled Uncertainties, Presentations by Dr Eugene Chua (NTU) and artist Boedi Widjaja (Indonesia/Singapore) followed by a conversation with artist Ong Kian Peng. Communities of Practice. Techno Diversions. 12 February 2024. Photo by Eunice Lacaste. Courtesy NTU Centre for Contemporary Art.
Two people making an antenna out of wooden sticks
Entangled Uncertainties, Presentations by Dr Eugene Chua (NTU) and artist Boedi Widjaja (Indonesia/Singapore) followed by a conversation with artist Ong Kian Peng. Communities of Practice. Techno Diversions. 12 February 2024. Photo by Eunice Lacaste. Courtesy NTU Centre for Contemporary Art.
People with antennas listening to radio waves in a forest
Entangled Uncertainties, Presentations by Dr Eugene Chua (NTU) and artist Boedi Widjaja (Indonesia/Singapore) followed by a conversation with artist Ong Kian Peng. Communities of Practice. Techno Diversions. 12 February 2024. Photo by Eunice Lacaste. Courtesy NTU Centre for Contemporary Art.
a man with a makeshift antenna listening to radio waves under a car
Entangled Uncertainties, Presentations by Dr Eugene Chua (NTU) and artist Boedi Widjaja (Indonesia/Singapore) followed by a conversation with artist Ong Kian Peng. Communities of Practice. Techno Diversions. 12 February 2024. Photo by Eunice Lacaste. Courtesy NTU Centre for Contemporary Art.
People with antennae listening to radio waves near a building
Entangled Uncertainties, Presentations by Dr Eugene Chua (NTU) and artist Boedi Widjaja (Indonesia/Singapore) followed by a conversation with artist Ong Kian Peng. Communities of Practice. Techno Diversions. 12 February 2024. Photo by Eunice Lacaste. Courtesy NTU Centre for Contemporary Art.
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Contributors
portrait of an artist in front of his television installation
ong kian peng
Artist
Singapore,

Working across a broad range of mediums, including film, sound, VR, and electronics, ong kian peng (Singapore, 1981) situates his practice at the intersection of art, technology and ecology. His work explores ecological thinking through immersive multi-media environments and installations that address environmental crises, climate change, and the expanding field of human-technology interactions. Delving into the complex relationship between culture, nature, and technology, he creates visionary scenarios and raises existential questions about our role in shaping the future of a vulnerable planet. His work has been featured in international exhibitions and festivals such as, most recently, Ars Electronica (Linz, Austria, 2024) and Singapore Biennale (2022). In 2017, he co-founded Supernormal.space, an independent art space focusing on emerging and experimental art practices. He was awarded the President’s Young Talents award in 2015.  He is currently a PhD candidate at the NTU School of Art, Design and Media and a recipient of the NTU Research Scholarship.