Synaptic Reveries is an audio-visual work produced in collaboration with visual artist Mario Kolarić. Mario and I have a few collaborative actions behind us, and we hope this is only the beginning of a larger-scale collection, exhibition, or AV installation.

The new collaboration is symbolically inspired by the synaptic space — a scientific model of synapse function where "communication" between two neurons occurs, a space for information exchange essential for most subsequent functions of the nervous system. Ultimately, the context of this work relies on the concept of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, who extensively studied the state of ataraxia — a state of lucid calmness. This complex ancient philosophical concept has various interpretations, and "Synaptic Reveries" aligns with those that bring mental-emotional balance and support sensory ecologies opposing the cacophony of everyday life, informational saturation, and the commercialization of human perception and attention.

Some of the sounds included in the work are the biggest waves on Earth, recorded at Praia do Nort and Praia da Nazare, in Portugal.

All sounds recorded & composed by Manja Ristić
All visual content by Mario Kolarić
Mastering by Goran Simonoski / La Plant Studio

This project is supported by the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Department of Education, Culture, and Sports.

Synaptic Reveries

Manja Ristic