On 19 and 20 August, a clay sculpture will emerge on the surface of the Váh River in Trenčín, becoming an instrument for an unconventional musical experience. The H2OMANAUS project by Finnish artist Pia Lindman blends traditional Manaus healing songs with environmental research and participatory art.
The River as Stage and Collaborator
That is the premise of H2OMANAUS, an immersive sonic event that transforms the river into both stage and participant. Taking place on a floating platform on the Váh River, the performance draws on the Finnish healing tradition of Manaus, a technique based on chanting and vocal incantation.
“The singing will not be directed at the audience, but directly into the water. It is an experiment that explores whether voice vibrations can influence the river ecosystem and stimulate microorganisms, contributing to water purification,” explains project curator Lýdia Pribišová.
The performances will feature professional singers, including Tuvan throat singer Sainkho Namtchylak, Finnish violinist and vocalist Tuomas Rounakari, and Slovak soprano Eva Šušková. An organic clay sculpture on the surface of the Váh will serve as a sound amplifier – its shape will transmit the vibrations of voices and the river back into its bed.
The event is participatory: visitors can contribute their own voices or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the evening. “We want people to think about how we live with water and experience art differently – as a dialogue between humans and nature,” adds the curator.
The H2OMANAUS project was created in collaboration with scientists and students in Slovakia and Finland. The research part included analysing mud from the Váh River and testing sound frequencies that can stimulate microorganisms capable of breaking down pollutants.
About the artist
Pia Lindman is a multidisciplinary Finnish artist who combines art, science and environmental themes in her work. She draws on traditional Nordic healing singing techniques from Manaus, which she combines with research in microbiology and ecology. Her projects have been presented at major events including the Venice Biennale (2024) and the São Paulo Biennial (2016).
Aqua Vitae: water as a theme, river as a dialogue
The H2OMANAUS project is part of the Aqua Vitae programme, which, under the leadership of curator Lýdia Pribišová, opens a dialogue about water and the Váh River as vital natural elements. A series of artistic interventions, such as exhibitions, installations, performances, discussions and walks, encourages residents and visitors to Trenčín to reflect on the issue of water in the urban environment and its political, ecological and philosophical implications.
The Trenčín 2026 project is financially supported by the city of Trenčín, the Trenčín Self-Governing Region and the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic. The project partner is the European Union.
Realised with the support of Frame Contemporary Art and the Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland, in collaboration with Biophilia, Aalto University, the Centre for Environmental Activities, the Water Sports Centre, and the United Private School in Nová Dubnica.
