Holding Release, (2025)

Relational art, olfactory, touch, participatory intervention, vibrotactile, spatialized sound, at-home listening experience

Holding, Release is an artistic gesture of mutual support. This project was made to acknowledge the chaotic and difficult reality of our existence in these times. How it can feel a bit hopeless and helpless to provide support to people who need it. Holding, Release is a simple practice of letting go and holding in a way that feels possible. A small act of consideration for what a stranger is going through. A humble action of trusting that someone else may be able to hold whatever you have to share, and that they are trusting you to do the same.

This soundscape was developed by Salima Punjani and Fili 周 Gibbons to accompany the Holding, Release gestures. It is meant to feel like a dreamscape and has a mix of ambient sounds, cello and voice. It played through a vibrotactile couch and pillow set up as well as audibly through an omnidirectional speaker. It is also available as an at home listening experience. 

In Summer 2025, Holding, Release was included in DARE-DARE's programming and installed in Parc Saint-Cunégonde in Montreal. Throughout the exhibition, people left messages about their experiences in holding something for a stranger. Listen here. 

Photo and video credit: Vjosana Shkurti