Johanna Sandels
about  


Väsen [vɛː-sɛn] is a word in Swedish with many meanings:
example: väsens väsen väsnas (noise noise noise)

essance
noise
collective being
creatures from folklore
tumult




how to make a vlf listening device 
waiting room for the northern Lights
departing from the waiting room of the northern lights  




silkesskuggorna






taupe etoile

Waiting room for the northern lights (2024)Gamla Galleri Snerk, Grønnegata 3, Tromsø, Norway
Sound Installation  60'10” (loop)  



These sounds are recordings made using a self-made VLF antenna (multiple circles of copper wire plugged into a ZOOM H5) and a Canon mic. They were recorded in Storsteinen and Kvaløya, Norway, from the 1st of February until the end of April.

When electromagnetic waves interact with the copper, they create interference patterns or resonances. These patterns, recorded and processed, reflect the interconnected nature of materials and frequencies in ways that echo the themes of väsen, translating the unseen into something tangible and experiential.

While waiting in the room, you may or may not hear the sounds emitted from the northern lights.

Across the room, there is a cart made of wood and silver.  

Booking forms lie on top of the cart. There to offer the spectators to book themselves in for a sound walk, that will take place the same date that the exhibition departs (22/04/2024)  

Booking Form

Name:_______________________________________

Age:_______________________________________

Email: _______________________________________

Have you heard the Northern Lights before? (Yes/No)

How long have you waited?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________


Did you hear them in the waiting room?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________


Do you have appropriate clothing for cold weather? (Yes/No)

Do you have any medical conditions or special needs we should be aware of?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________


Do you have any other comments?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________