Sandbox: The Ear as Muse with Lola de la Mata

Sandbox is a quarterly gathering for anyone interested in sonic arts, bringing together artists, musicians and curious listeners to explore sound in an open and informal setting.

Curated by Vicky Clarke and Wajid Yaseen, the latest edition takes place at SEESAW and welcomes Liverpool-based conceptual sound artist and composer Lola de la Mata.

Drawing on her experiences of living with chronic tinnitus, de la Mata will discuss how aural diversity has shaped her creative practice, exploring listening, performance and experimental instrument making. The evening includes a demonstration of her self-built Tacet Friction Harp and a conversation examining how sound can be approached in new and unexpected ways.

Facilitated by Clarke and Yaseen, the event offers an opportunity to engage with contemporary sound practice in an accessible, discussion-led environment. De la Mata’s work spans composition, performance and instrument design, with her acclaimed debut album Oceans earning both an Oram Award and a Sound of the Year Award in 2024. Her work has been featured by BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 6 Music, The Quietus, Electronic Sound Magazine, New Scientist and Crack Magazine, and she has created commissions for organisations including FACT, Lisson Gallery and Riot Ensemble.