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Multi media

Mark Brown

"The opportunity to explore the labyrinthine spaces of the Liddell Power station prior to its closure was a truly memorable experience for a fan of industrial music and art. From the crushers to a lofty promontory via the temperamental lift then to the breath-taking turbine hall, the centrifugal heart of the facility. Using contact microphones to listen to the massive turbines spinning and humming at revolutions beyond imagination. Our guides Justin and Blake, electricians at the site, revealed the inner workings of the Power Station with its kinetic energy, piping, ducting, machinery, steam, high pressure fluids, heat and noise. The Liddell power station is a formidable leviathan"

Mark Brown’s passion for industrial landscapes runs deep within his veins. Growing up in Newcastle, he was immersed in the city’s industrial heritage, particularly through the experiences of his father, who worked at Newcastle’s Commonwealth Steel Works. The memories of visiting the Steel Works as a youth left an indelible mark on Mark’s artistic sensibilities, shaping his artistic trajectory and igniting a curiosity for the hidden narratives and evocative qualities of industrial spaces.

Born and raised in Newcastle, Mark Brown is a Sydney-based sound artist who has developed a profound fascination with all things industrial. His artistic journey has led him to explore the phenomenology of industrial spaces, architectural structures, and the atmospheric qualities they possess. Through sound installations and photo media art, Mark seeks to delve into the essence of these spaces and their impact on the human experience.

Approach

As an artist, Mark's practice has evolved into a deeply site-specific and poetic response to locations of industrial and military historical significance. He seeks to unravel the stories that lay embedded within the walls and structures of these sites, capturing their essence through the interplay of sound and imagery. By engaging with these spaces, Mark not only pays homage to their historical importance but also delves into the personal connection he has with the Hunter Valley region. Mark's search for the perfect place to creatively explore and engage with the industrial heritage of the region led him to Liddell Works. This groundbreaking program provided the ideal opportunity for him to immerse himself in the legacy of Liddell Power Station, combining his fascination with industrial soundscapes, his memories of Newcastle's industrial past, and his desire to reconnect with the Hunter Valley. Utilising recording technology Mark has responded to the site of Liddell by documenting its sounds, including those of the turbine room. In a truly immersive approach, he even recorded the underwater sounds of the weir inlet using a hydrophone, delving into the hidden acoustic landscapes that exist beneath the surface. Sound work, combined with imagery taken with a drone will form a part of Mark’s installation piece for the upcoming Liddell Works exhibition in 2024.

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