Deep Time and Musical Dreams: Rafael Cheuquelaf’s Symphony in Geology
Have you ever sat down and thought, “What’s my place in the universe? Am I just a fleeting speck of dust in the vast cosmic dance?” Well, our man Rafael Cheuquelaf has taken that existential crisis and turned it into a tapestry of sound! Yes, you heard that right! It’s not just a mid-life crisis; it’s a musical exploration of geological time. Strap in, folks—we’re diving into an artistic expedition that’s more profound than that time you tried to explain TikTok to your grandma.
Art and Science: A Year of Rock-Heavy Inspiration
The University of Magallanes has thrown down the gauntlet with a year-long residency exploring the depths of geology and paleontology. Who knew that rocking out could go hand-in-hand with rocks? Rafael, along with his creative compadres, dug deep—quite literally—exploring the enthralling themes of Deep Time. Coined by Scottish geology legend James Hutton (and you thought your history lectures were boring), this concept is about imagining timescales that boggle the mind. Think dinosaurs, think mammoths, think a time before the idea of a “Netflix binge” existed!
“While taking a tour through Tierra del Fuego, I couldn’t help but let my imagination run wild,” Rafael mused. “I was swept away by the idea that at one time, little tiny organisms ruled the earth—long before humans decided to take over and ruin everything. Ah yes, we humans, the only species to create three-hour-long director’s cuts of superhero movies!”
From Stromatolites to the Ice Age: A Journey of Sonic Delights
Rafael doesn’t stop at mere imagination. No, he’s undaunted in exploring the Stromatolite Park, where ancient cyanobacteria built what can be best described as a city of… well, algae! It’s like the original “city planning,” but with less bureaucracy and fewer zoning laws. He also took a peek at fossils that make you go, “Wow, I really need to rethink my life choices if a rock can outlive me by millions of years.”
Now, let’s discuss “First Fire in Karukinka”, which features choral arrangements that could give even the most stoic of souls goosebumps. Imagine a choir singing about the arrival of the first humans on Tierra del Fuego—because who doesn’t want a soundtrack while they’re busy rummaging in the Earth’s great history?
The Sound of Earth: A Deep Emotional Resonance
With the power of analog synthesizers, it’s like Rafael has opened a portal to a time where no one asked, “What’s your Spotify playlist?” The soundscapes he creates transport you straight back to prehistoric times, making you ponder everything from abiogenesis to (dare I say) the apocalypse!
But let’s not ignore the elephants in the room—the humans! Rafael aptly notes how humankind has managed to take what was once a thriving thriving landscape and make it a bad reality show. “I hope my music can convey the existential restlessness of being a mere organism in a sprawling universe,” he reflects. And honestly, if there’s an existential crisis soundtrack, I am here for it!
Breathe in, Breathe out: The Vastness of Geological Time
In a world obsessed with speed, quick fixes, and viral memes, Rafael Cheuquelaf offers us a much-needed reminder of our own insignificance. The “Tempo Profundo” visual experience captures this beautifully. A bit like that food you ate the night before—rich, layered, complex, and perhaps a little hard to digest. As you listen and watch, take a moment to pause, reflect, and perhaps, cry a little, as you reconcile your mortal existence with the eternal ballet of rocks, ice, and time itself.
So, plug in, tune out, and join Rafael on this sonic journey where you may just find yourself questioning everything you thought you knew about existence. Alternatively, you could just chuckle to yourself as you scroll through your email, because who really has time to ponder the abyss?
With “Deep Time” now available on streaming services like Spotify, Bandcamp, and all those hip digital platforms, take a moment, let the music wash over you, and just maybe, let it take you back in time… or at least give you a nice vibe while sipping your overpriced coffee.
A captivating set of eight themes has emerged, inspired by diverse concepts rooted in geology and paleontology. These themes were extensively explored during a year-long Art and Science residency orchestrated by the Area of Arts, Cultures and Heritage at the University of Magallanes. Among the key figures in its organization was Rafael Cheuquelaf, who sought to encapsulate the profound impressions of this experience through an innovative blend of analog synthesizers and cutting-edge digital software.
Rafael Cheuquelaf’s creative journey is no stranger to the intersection of art and science. Alongside Héctor Aguilar, with whom he forms the duo LLUVIA ACIDA—celebrating three decades of artistic collaboration—he has previously explored thematic concepts from the Antarctic. Their repertoire includes notable works such as “Antartikos” (2005), “Insula in albis” (2023), and “Ciencia Sur” (2017). In this latest endeavor, Cheuquelaf draws inspiration from the intriguing concept of “Deep Time,” a term introduced by the renowned 18th-century Scottish geologist James Hutton, which encourages us to contemplate an era unfathomably distant from human existence.
“In this residence, we journeyed through the enchanting island of Tierra del Fuego, employing our imaginations to traverse back to the origins of the Rock Cycle. One vivid memory entails my contemplation of the Stromatolite Park, where I stood before the remnants of an ancient city constructed by a colony of cyanobacteria, the planet’s oldest known organisms still thriving today. Observing the exquisite ammonite fossils housed within the collection of the Patagonia Institute evoked images of them swimming freely, extending their tentacles in the flourishing waters of the Cretaceous era. I was in awe of the pregnant ichthyosauria named ‘Fiona,’ whose fossilized remains were unearthed near the majestic Tyndall Glacier. Through this exploration, I discovered the existence of the ‘Patagonian Ice Sheet,’ which, during the last Ice Age, enveloped vast areas of southern Chile. I stood in contemplation of erratic blocks—massive stones stripped from their mountainous origins by glacial forces and deposited across the Fuegian steppe—reflecting on the significant transformations that the Patagonian landscape underwent throughout the Quaternary period. The culmination of this journey marks the emergence of a species that has begun to threaten the very viability of this landscape, ultimately endangering its own future: humans,” reflects the contemplative artist.
The collaborative effort flourished with the participation of Fernando Alarcón, an esteemed academic from the School of Pedagogy in Musical Arts at UMAG. He contributed beautifully arranged choral compositions for the closing track of the album, titled “First fire in Karukinka,” which poignantly envisions the arrival of the earliest humans to the territory of Tierra del Fuego. The resounding voices of the Arte Vocal choir, expertly led by Manuel Rodríguez, encapsulate this evocative theme. Expressing gratitude to all who contributed to these arrangements, Cheuquelaf states, “I thank everyone involved in these arrangements for giving a final touch of humanity to an album that for the most part evokes a world without us.” The album showcases a rich sound palette, prominently featuring the warm timbres of analog synthesizers, skillfully employed to create both melodic lines and abstract soundscapes. Renowned Chilean electronic musician Danieto lent his expertise in mastering the work. Listeners can indulge in it across various platforms such as Spotify, Bandcamp, YouTube, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
A captivating video titled “Tiempo Profundo” is also accessible on the YouTube channel “Ventana Cultural UMAG,” showcasing elements of the residency that inspired this musical project while incorporating several tracks from the album’s soundtrack. Complementing the album, the cover features an evocative photograph captured by Cheuquelaf of the French writer and performer Julie Pichavant during the residency at the “Alberto Baeriswyl” House Museum (CAB) in Puerto Yartou, located on the island of Tierra del Fuego. “With these instrumental songs, I aimed to highlight the transience of our existence against the immense backdrop of Geological Time. My hope is that they effectively communicate the existential restlessness I experienced while envisioning myself as a diminutive organism adrift in the primordial sea, at the dawn of everything,” concludes Rafael Cheuquelaf.
How does Rafael Cheuquelaf hope his music will influence listeners’ perspectives on time and existence?
**Interview with Rafael Cheuquelaf: Exploring “Deep Time” Through Music**
**Editor:** Rafael, it’s a pleasure to have you here. Your new project, “Deep Time,” delves into a unique blend of geology and music. What inspired you to embark on this journey?
**Rafael Cheuquelaf:** Thank you for having me! My inspiration stemmed from a year-long residency at the University of Magallanes, where I had the opportunity to explore the breathtaking scenery of Tierra del Fuego. The concept of “Deep Time,” introduced by the great Scottish geologist James Hutton, captivated me. It made me reflect on the vastness of time and our place within it—far beyond our sometimes mundane modern lives.
**Editor:** You’ve mentioned feeling a sense of awe while exploring ancient geological sites. Can you share a memorable moment from your exploration?
**Rafael:** Absolutely! One of my most vivid memories was at Stromatolite Park, where I stood amid ancient cyanobacteria formations—essentially the planet’s oldest community builders. They remind us of a time when life thrived without human interference. I couldn’t help but think about how something so seemingly simple has endured for billions of years.
**Editor:** That sounds fascinating! Your music seems to carry a deep emotional resonance. How do you translate geological concepts into sound?
**Rafael:** I use a mix of analog synthesizers and digital software to create soundscapes that evoke different geological epochs. For instance, the track “First Fire in Karukinka” features choral arrangements that reflect the arrival of the first humans. It’s about capturing both the beauty of our planet’s history and the weight of our existence within it.
**Editor:** It sounds like a profound experience for both you and your audience. How do you hope people will connect with your work?
**Rafael:** I want listeners to reflect on their own existence in relation to the vastness of time. In a world obsessed with immediacy, my hope is to provide a space where they can pause and contemplate. If my music can spark some introspection or even a bit of existential wonder, then I’ve succeeded.
**Editor:** With the complexities of modern life, do you think art has a unique role in addressing our existential concerns?
**Rafael:** Definitely! Art allows us to explore themes that are often too overwhelming to tackle head-on. It can bridge the gap between science and emotion. My project is a reminder of our shared humanity and our responsibility to the world we inhabit.
**Editor:** what message would you like to leave with your listeners as they immerse themselves in “Deep Time”?
**Rafael:** I encourage everyone to take a moment to listen—not just with their ears but with their hearts and minds. Embrace the stories that our planet holds and allow that connection to deepen your understanding of both nature and yourself. And maybe, just maybe, find a little comfort in the idea that we are part of something much larger.
**Editor:** Thank you, Rafael! It’s been enlightening to hear about your journey. We look forward to tuning into “Deep Time” and experiencing your exploration of the Earth’s history through music.
