The Abstract Human Radio

The Abstract Human Radio (Abhura) is a frequencies project based in Brisbane, Australia that explores immersion and interactivity in the arts through technology, with focuses on surround sound, projection, motion tracking and experimentalist music practices. From the Radio, one can expect any combinations of audiovisual performance, interactive installation, projection art or ambient vinyl DJ sets curated for each environment.

As the current active project of experimental multi-media artist Fin Wegener, Abhura continues to escape definition, instead constantly enveloping each new interest and venture that Wegener undertakes. The project initially took form as a moniker for binaural/surround sound music before encompassing forays into audio generative projection art and, consequently, audiovisual performance and installation. The first year of Abhura went on to include ambient vinyl DJ sets, performances of generative music in surround sound, audio-generated/reactive visual projections at various events and the development of the Abstract Human Theremin; an infrared motion tracking system that maps body movements to parameters of a modular synthesiser.

Across these disparate elements, the project maintains a definitive conceptual and aesthetic aim: to combat the alienation from the human condition inoculated in us by late-stage capitalism by welcoming audiences into immersive and calming environments that encourage introspection, peacefulness and meditation. Founded in the creative Zen practices of John Cage, the theories of groundbreaking minimalist La Monte Young and the meditative compositional practices of Pauline Oliveros, the audio side of the project can be described as long form ambient music featuring field recordings, tape loops, modular synthesis and various alternate tuning systems from around the world.

Yonder Festival