Curated by Joanna Zielińska

Laughing rats, dancing bees and inaudible frequencies are just some of the sounds visitors may encounter in the Sonic Space, a guest project hosted within the exhibition. In addition to field recordings, the space also features audio works created by artists and researchers in fields such as zoomusicology and eco-acoustics.

The Sonic Space offers the visitor an opportunity to hear how animals communicate. Their languages refer to the complex systems used by different species, often displaying remarkable creativity. Birds, whales, primates and bats are known for their intricate vocalisations. Birdsong is used for courtship, territorial defence, and social bonding. Humpback whales produce structured songs that vary geographically and evolve over time. Insects and mammals specialised in chemical communication use pheromones. The trunk movements of elephants, the facial expressions of primates, and the waggle dance of bees are all forms of body language.

While there is ongoing debate about whether animal communication qualifies as a “language”, artificial intelligence and machine learning tools are already being used to decode it – for example, by analysing patterns in whale song or bat calls. Understanding animal languages and conducting eco-acoustic research can aid conservation efforts, such as studying how species communicate across fragmented habitats. Combined with modern technologies, they promise a deeper understanding of the natural world. The Sonic Space provides a unique opportunity to listen to different languages and also creates space for exploring how artists critically engage with the topic of interspecies communication.