ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Soundwalking in Central Park with Jacek Smolicki

artist · 2026-08-05

Jacek Smolicki, a sound artist and researcher, is leading soundwalks in Central Park, New York, as part of a summer of soundwalking. In a recent demonstration, Smolicki showed a reporter how sound travels through tree roots and amplified the scraping of aquatic snails, emphasizing the difference between hearing and listening. The soundwalks are part of a broader trend of soundwalking events taking place this summer. Smolicki's approach encourages participants to engage with their acoustic environment in new ways, highlighting the often-overlooked sounds of nature and urban spaces. The event underscores the growing interest in sound as a medium for artistic and sensory exploration.

Key facts

  • Jacek Smolicki is leading soundwalks in Central Park.
  • Smolicki demonstrated how sound travels through tree roots.
  • He amplified the scraping of aquatic snails.
  • Smolicki said, 'We may be hearing but not listening.'
  • The soundwalks are part of a summer of soundwalking.
  • The event took place in Central Park, New York.
  • The article was published by The New York Times on August 5, 2026.
  • The soundwalks encourage participants to listen more attentively.

Entities

Artists

  • Jacek Smolicki

Institutions

  • The New York Times

Locations

  • Central Park
  • New York
  • United States

Sources