“Vignettes flickers fades” is an experimental archive conceived by Ira Ferris for the 20th anniversary of Critical Path choreographic research centre. The project consists of a text, a sound montage, a map, and live performances.

This sound-montage was created in collaboration with musician and sound artist Alexandra Spence. 

A sonic archive is made from the flickers of words recorded during Ferris’ conversations with eleven dance artists involved in the “Vignettes flickers fades” project; each of whom have a longstanding relationship with Critical Path. They are: Lizzie Thomson, Ryuichi Fujimura, Vicki Van Hout, Nikki Heywood, Martin del Amo, Rhiannon Newton, Linda Luke, Jane McKernan, Patricia Wood, Angela Goh and Victoria Hunt.

Combined with field recordings of inside and outside the Drill Hall, taken by Alexandra Spence. 

In tune with the overall project, the sonic archive is a way to immortalise the ambience and the impact of the space – the Drill Hall – by accessing its resonance in the bodies of those who have danced research here.

The sound montage is best listened to with a good quality headphones.

More about the "Vignettes flickers fades" project:
https://www.artemisprojects.com.au/vignettes-flickers-fades

The written part of “Vignettes flickers fades” is published in Critical Dialogues #16.

The “Vignettes flickers fades” project was assisted by Woollahra Municipal Council’s Cultural Grants Program, through Critical Path.

16 November 2025

"Vignettes flickers fades" (archive project for 20 years of Critical Path)

PODCAST-CONVERSATIONS with artists and art theorists, from visual to performing arts, discussing conceptual frameworks and philosophical outlooks. Also some SOUND-COLLAGES, assembled together on variety of themes, such as: sleep, silence, intuition, collaboration, failure, and more. 

Available via iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/artemis-projects/id1462300886

PRODUCER & HOST: Ira Ferris (https://www.artemisprojects.com.au/projects-ira-ferris)

"Vignettes flickers fades" (archive project for 20 years of Critical Path)

Artemis Projects