Hydrological Study of Xizhi exploring water systems through artistic practices and community engagement, 2023
Crossing the levee to the Keelung Riverbank for hydrophone field recording.
Project Description
The Traceability Project investigates Xizhi’s intricate relationship with water, focusing on its visible and hidden hydrological systems. Xizhi, formerly known as “Water Return” (Tsuí-tōng-kha), is named for the tidal phenomenon where the Keelung River’s flow meets the tide and recedes. Historically, the ebb and flow created a unique “tidal sound,” described as “harmonious as strings,” resonating through the area. Modern flood control infrastructure has silenced these natural melodies, leaving water’s presence discernible only through subtle traces and reshaped landscapes.
The initiative combines artistic interpretation with hydrological studies by exploring the environmental and cultural significance of water in Xizhi. The goal is to connect human perceptions of water with ecological and urban dynamics. By integrating research, artistic practice, and collaborative efforts, the project highlights the importance of recognizing the visible and invisible roles that water plays in our daily lives.
Workshops and Methodology
The project began with a series of workshops designed to explore Xizhi’s hydrological systems and water-related experiences. These sessions combined hands-on activities with exploratory fieldwork, fostering a multidisciplinary understanding of the area’s water history and infrastructure.
Hydrophone Building and Sound Exploration
In partnership with Rexizhi, participants engaged in a hydrophone-building workshop, constructing waterproof microphones capable of capturing underwater sounds. Step-by-step guidance covered equipment assembly, soldering, and waterproof coating. Following sound tests, participants shared personal stories about their connection to water and life in Xizhi.
Equipped with hydrophones, 3D microphones, and binaural microphones, participants embarked on soundscape exploration along Xizhi’s riversides, recording sonic elements from historic flood-prone sites to modern drainage systems. This process aimed to reconnect participants with the “lost” sounds of the area, offering a fresh perspective on Xizhi’s water stories.
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- DIY hydrophone workshop.
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- Mr. Yao’s metal workshop in Xizhi.
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- Field Recording in the Neighborhood
Flood Soil and Ceramic Workshop: The Smoking House
Collaborating with ceramic artist Shih Mao-Chih, the project held a workshop utilizing “flood soil”—clay collected from past floods—as a material for artistic creation. Participants combined flood soil with humidifier structures to craft miniature houses that emitted vapor, symbolizing Xizhi’s flood history through sensory and aesthetic means. This workshop bridged material culture and flood memory, emphasizing the transformation of adversity into creativity.
Water Investigation and Hydrological Study
The team undertook extensive field investigations of Xizhi’s water systems, including pumping stations, flood retention basins, and ecological trails. These visits highlighted the layered complexities of urban hydrology, where natural and engineered elements converge. A notable exploration included the Yuanshanzi Diversion Channel, a critical flood management infrastructure capable of redirecting up to 1,310 cubic meters of water per second into the ocean, effectively mitigating Keelung River’s flooding. This hands-on approach, combined with environmental sensing techniques and digital construction, enabled participants to document and reinterpret water’s role in shaping Xizhi’s urban and ecological landscape.
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- Guided Tour by River Management Office
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- Yuanshanzi Flood Diversion Channel.
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- Jinlong Lake Gate Mechanism.
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- Shuiwei Bay Pumping Station.
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- Niutoutou Pumping Station.
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- Heavy Rain Flooding nearby me place.
Exhibition: Community-Created Art and Findings
The culmination of these efforts was showcased in an exhibition held at the Sonic Sensory Lab. Titled Traceability: A Hydrological Study of Xizhi, the exhibition featured interactive soundscapes, video installations, and environmental data visualizations. It reflected the community’s journey of exploring Xizhi’s water systems, from its tidal origins to contemporary urban hydrology. Participants and visitors experienced a multisensory narrative that reconstructed Xizhi’s water history and invited contemplation on humanity’s relationship with water in urban spaces.
Credit
- Artist: CHI Po-Hao
- Co-Curator: SHIH Ya Tien
- Organizer: ZONE SOUND CREATIVE, Rexizhi
- Assistants: CHEN Yu Chin, CHEN Ming Ching
- Photographer: LIN Pei Yi
- Cinematographer: LIU Ren Jie
- Graphic Designer: Randi TSAI
- Participants: CHANG Wen Hua, CHEN Zhen Da, CHENG Ting Ting, CHEN Kuan Yu, Cordelia YANG, HAN Shun Zhi, HUANG Jhe Liang, HONG Yi Hua, Juby CHIU, PAN Shih Cheng, Sean TSENG, SHIH Mao Jhih, TSAI Yi Chuan, TSENG Shih Yu, TSENG Mei Chen, WANG Li Yu, WANG Xuan De, WU Nai Fei, YANG Chang Ru, YANG Qing Yu, ZHONG Yu Ying
- Sponsor: National Culture and Arts Foundation (NCAF)