PETRA’ is a site-specific audiovisual work created in an empty oil cistern on the Swedish island of Svanö. The original 36-minute performance was commissioned by NONAGON Festival in 2022 for the Nordic Lights residency, focussing thematically on ‘oil.’
Every place carries imprints of events that unfold over time-a geographical palimpsest. Around the cistern of Svanö is the natural fodder for future crude oil, consisting of ancient plant and animal matter. Below the cistern is the land from which the Swedish vocal tradition of kulning (Nordic herding calling) grew and flourished. Far below is stone: the spine of the earth from which we forcefully extract fossil fuels in our need to satisfy societal demand. Etymologically, the word 'petroleum' came into usage in 1546 and translates from Latin to mean 'stone oil.'
Through their collaborative audiovisual work, Fabris and Grayson weave a narrative deeply rooted in the cistern's historical and geographical narrative. Deconstructed sounds from found objects, processed field recordings, and footage from the site have been pieced together with live kulning and dramatically shaped by the 25-second reverb of the tank itself.
Data charts tracking global oil demand and consumption have been used to form the structure of the piece, depicting a transformation from organic matter into petrochemical substances that have great potential to both empower and danger.
Written, produced and recorded by Francesco Fabris and Ava Grayson.
Vocals, metal pipes, electronics by Ava Grayson.
Visuals, guitar, electronics by Francesco Fabris.
Mixed and mastered at Greenhouse Studios, Reykjavík, Iceland.
Thank you: Nonagon Festival, Nordic Light Residency, Tove Nowén, Annie Tådne, Francesco Leali, Until Riots.