Rob Godman : Dr. Giampaolo Martinelli
Pulse is a series of high resolution unedited real-time audio recordings produced in St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, May 2022 to November 2024. A variety of procedures have been recorded, including thoraco abdominal aneurysm repairs and VT ablations (a means of correcting heart arrhythmia). Created in collaboration with Dr. Giampaolo Martinelli, Consultant Cardiothoracic Anaesthetist, the work focuses our attention on the ambient sound – room tone and associated noise, surgical paraphernalia and human interaction found within an operating theatre. By exploring repetition and variation, rhythm and further subdivisions of time over the micro and macro structure, it aims to demystify this largely hidden environment as it unfolds during the day.
The artistic output ‘Pulse’ has been shown at UH’s Arts:Sci exhibition (June 2022), the Research Colloquium, Applied Sciences and Arts, University of Lucerne (April 2023) and the Art & Science workshop at French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA, Grenoble) (November 23). Additionally, a new immersive ambisonic version was presented at The Festival of Ideas, UH May 2024 featuring a new recording using a Soundfield microphone for B-format 7.1 surround audio. All versions contain a realtime unedited recording of the procedure, meaning the listening experience can run up to twelve hours in duration.
Whilst the project remains ongoing, a number of conclusions can be drawn. The impact of noise on surgical staff and patients alike has been under-researched. We have anecdotal evidence that patients are adversely affected by their environment in Intensive Care Units (sound and light) leading to instances of PTSD.
Acknowledgements and thanks:
Megan Tjasink – Barts Charity Doctoral Researcher and Lead Art Psychotherapist for Cancer and Palliative Services, Barts Health NHS Trust
Dr. Giampaolo Martinelli, Consultant Cardiothoracic Anaesthetist, Barts Health NHS Trust
The theatre staff of the Cardiac Unit at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London
The patients at the centre of this soundscape…
