Augury by Juan Duarte Regino

How do we sense and predict the intangible forces around us? Juan Duarte Regino’s Augury explores this question through an installation that blends modern and ancient practices to perceive and predict atmospheric processes. By interpreting real-time atmospheric data through sound, Juan invites us to reflect on our connection to the natural world, using technology as a medium for exploration rather than a barrier.

Ancient Practices Meet Modern Technology

At the core of this project is a captivating installation featuring pieces of obsidian — a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when lava cools rapidly. Obsidian has been revered in various cultures for its sharpness, reflective qualities, and mystical properties.

In Augury, these obsidian pieces serve as tactile interfaces. Participants place their hands on the obsidian, and the underlying Trill Craft touch sensors detect their gestures with precision. This input is then processed on a Bela Starter Kit, where Pure Data patches translate the touch into dynamic soundscapes in real time.

The use of obsidian not only deepens the connection to ancient divination practices but also enriches the sensory experience with its smooth texture and natural beauty.

Divination Reimagined Through Sound

Augury takes inspiration from ancient methods of predicting the future by observing birds’ behavior, reinterpreting them for a digital age. It creates a hybrid form of listening: part divination, part immersive sound art. By touching the interface, participants generate complex soundscapes that echo the interplay between humans and their surroundings. The experience is designed to foster awareness of the subtleties in our environment—tones and textures we might otherwise overlook.

This project exemplifies the versatility of Bela for creating responsive, high-performance sound works exploring the intersection of art, technology, and nature. By combining Trill Craft’s sensitive touch capabilities with the robust sound capabilities of the Bela Starter Kit, Augury brings together the tangible and the ephemeral in an unforgettable way.

To dive deeper into this fascinating project, visit Juan’s project page or read the detailed essay that inspired its creation.

About Juan Duarte

Juan Duarte Regino is a Mexican artist and researcher whose work spans sound art, interactive systems, and environmental perception. His projects often focus on exploring the relationships between nature, technology, and human experience. With a background in experimental music and interactive media, Juan has exhibited and performed internationally, using his art to engage with ecological and cultural themes. Learn more about his work on his website.

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