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A Day in the Life (Audio Installation)

Voices of Connection: AMS is a collaborative initiative that amplifies the stories of vulnerable individuals across Amsterdam, offering them a platform to reclaim and share their narratives. By utilizing photography, storytelling, and audio, this project encourages empathy and understanding while highlighting the disparity between those living on the margins and the rest of society. Through various sub-projects, Voices of Connection empowers participants to present their experiences in a way that challenges societal perceptions and fosters deeper connections.

One of these sub-projects is A Day in the Life, an immersive audio installation that brings the daily experiences of vulnerable individuals into focus. In this part of the project, participants will narrate their day, sharing what they see, feel, and endure as they navigate life in the city. These recordings will play through speakers at the exhibition, but with a unique twist-the audio will be distorted as viewers approach the speaker, almost inaudible, and will only become clearer and more understandable as they step away.

This distortion is a metaphor for how society often interacts with vulnerable individuals. We tend to see them on the streets but rarely hear them, as our perceptions are clouded by preconceived notions, stereotypes, and distance. The closer we are-both physically and emotionally-to these individuals, the more distorted our view can become. It is only when we step back and remove ourselves from these biases that their stories become clear, allowing us to truly hear their voices and understand their humanity.

A Day in the Life challenges viewers to reflect on their own engagement with vulnerable people, urging them to move beyond superficial judgments and listen to the real stories behind the faces they pass by. Through this immersive audio experience, the project encourages a deeper understanding of those living on the margins, reminding us that everyone’s story deserves to be heard.