Hoodwink, Four Quarters by Martin King

The hooded hawk in Martin King’s Hoodwink, Four Quarters provides a disembodied narrative loaded with evocative symbolism. In King’s print the hawk appears contradictory. It is at once powerful yet vulnerable, wild yet restrained. The symbolism of the hooded hawk dates back to ancient Egypt. At the time it represented hope for those who lived in the shadows.

When interpreting the work I felt the sound needed to acknowledge the Arabic heritage of the hawk. I also wanted to maintain the use of space that is evident in King’s print.  Thus Hoodwink, Four Quarters uses manipulated samples of Middle Eastern instruments. Space falls between the notes, providing room for the hawk to soar upwards.

Hoodwink, Four Quarters is  1 of 18 prints that I interpreted through sound for the audio-visual exhibition Habitat. The entire exhibition can be viewed at the West Gallery Thebarton website.