A Cryptic Commission
“A masterclass in pristine minimalism” – Crack
THALASSA began after Su Shaw of SHHE was thwarted in an earlier project. On an artist residency in Egypt, the Dundee-based musician attempted to make recordings of the sea, but found it impossible on the militarised Mediterranean coast. Pondering the past of Alexandria (the Egyptian city has already sunk twice) and the possible future of her hometown, which may also lie underwater before long, Shaw created a work which blends vocals and analogue synthesiser sounds, shot through with the chaotic scrambling of random voltages: a shifting journey from the sea’s depths to its noisy surfaces, still rising.
Developed during Cryptic’s Cove Park Residency 2026.
With thanks to One Little Independent, British Council Egypt, British Council, PRS Foundation, B’sarya for Arts, and Perth Theatre and Concert Hall.
