Torkwase Dyson

Torkwase Dyson’s Akua is a large, open pavilion with an immersive multi-channel soundscape. Visitors may enter and experience recorded sounds moving across eight speakers, including layered conversations from Black archives, nature field recordings, and electronic sounds. For Dyson (b. 1973, Chicago), sound is a physical vibration that can connect our bodies to our surroundings. The title Akua is inspired by the name of a family member; Akua means “born on Wednesday” in West African Akan tradition.

Dyson’s multilayered sonic composition explores the idea of “breath as geography.” The artist proposes that the spaces between words — subtle breaths, ums, pauses — can carry memories of specific places. She asks, “what can the space between words and silence tell us about land, water, infrastructure, and migration?” Surrounded by grand waterways and architectural landmarks, Akua invites audiences into a space of contemplation and imagination, grounded in the landscape beneath and encircling us.

Torkwase Dyson: Akua is curated by Public Art Fund Senior Curator Melanie Kress with Assistant Curator Jenée-Daria Strand.

(opens in a new window) Learn more at publicartfund.org.