Philip Samartzis and Michael Vorfeld

Atmospheric Pressure

DRM4251

October 9, 2026

Digital

A note from Philip Samartzis…

On 15 February 2016, a blizzard descended on Casey Research Station in East Antarctica.
It lasted more than thirty-six hours.
At its peak, wind speeds exceeded one hundred knots — equivalent to hurricane-force conditions.
In Antarctica, a blizzard is not defined by snowfall, but by wind, drifting ice, and the loss of the horizon.
During this event, visibility collapsed. Movement outside became impossible.
The station was reduced to pressure, vibration, and sound.
Blizzards are not unusual here, but this one was different.
When it passed, the surface reset. There were few visible traces.
What remains is an acoustic record of kinetic force and air pressure.

credits

released October 9, 2026

Field recordings, electronics and microphones by Philip Samartzis
Percussion and stringed instruments by Michael Vorfeld

Recorded at The Capitol, Melbourne, 27 February 2026 by Simon Maisch
Mixed and mastered by Simon Maisch
Event coordination — Karra Rees
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Cover Image: David Neilson, Cartographer Noel Ward inspecting dog line in blizzard, Mawson Station, East Antarctica, December 1990, 1990. Image courtesy of the artist.

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Atmospheric Pressure is produced with the support of the Australian Antarctic Territory Arts Fellowship program, which hosted Philip Samartzis in 2010 and 2016. The presentation at The Capitol is supported by the City of Melbourne and RMIT Galleries.

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