An interdisciplinary sound art project around the monster from Lake Tegel

In June 2022, a sound studies lecturer at the Berlin University of the Arts came across the sound of a previously unknown and seemingly monstrous creature during underwater sound recordings in Lake Tegel. This sound was the starting point of an adventurous search for the monster that developed into a unique art project.

The group, led by composer Nico Sauer, brought together artists, musicians and scientists of different backgrounds to investigate the mysterious sea monster in a variety of ways. This resulted in 20 lure calls, which were composed by international woman composers especially for the project. These were played via underwater loudspeakers in the lake and made audible to both the sea monster and diving guests.

The Monstercall Research Camp at Lake Tegel became a cultural centre and the scene of fairytale encounters. Bathers, members of fishing and sailing clubs as well as children and young people took part in the search for the sea monster, which was soon affectionately called “Tegli”. Media such as Tagesspiel, taz and t-online reported on the extraordinary art project and attracted visitors from all over Berlin, various cities in Germany and abroad.

The project also integrated humanitarian aspects by inviting a group of over 30 Ukrainian children and young people to participate in the closing event. Refugees who are employed at the local lido were able to take responsibility and experience the creation of art projects first-hand.

A roundtable with experts from the arts and science discussed the developed sound of the sea monster as well as monstrous soundscapes in general. Sound-historical analyses and pop-cultural references were addressed, as were the topics of sonification, monstrous listening practices, eco-acoustics or climate-related changes to our living environment and the resulting migration. The participants formed an interdisciplinary discussion group, which resulted in a four-hour radio broadcast in which many local voices also had their say.

Overall, the Monstercall project was a place of diverse encounters. The 20 composed lure calls, which were played over underwater loudspeakers, were short enough for divers to hear in their entirety when holding their breath. The audience could thus enjoy the underwater music by submerging. The project showed how art and science can work together to create a fascinating experience that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds.

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI7yMaDcx30


Project participants

Artistic Direction
Nico Sauer

Sound Design
Vincent Wikström
Nico Sauer

Concept Development
Nico Sauer
Julian Koller
Vincent Wikström

Underwater Sound Compositions
Frauke Aulbert
Maxi Pongratz
Audrey Chen
Kirsten Reese
Krok Monsieur
Markus Hechtle
Rupert Enticknap
YoshimiO
Bungalovv
Wilted Woman
Mathilde Hoffmann
Haku Sungho
Florian Walter
Benjamin Scheuer
Tomoko Sauvage
Leo Frick
Yannick Dauby
Sarah Belle Reid
François Sarhan
Tintin Patrone

Radio Roundtable Participants
Dr. Sandra Müller, Ecoacoustician and Biologist
Prof. Markus Hechtle, Composer and Musician
Theresa Matzinger (MA), Linguist
Prof. Kirsten Reese, Sound artist and musician
Jacob Ericsen, Sound researcher