"La Source / La Voir Et L'entendre" by Christophe Gonnet and George Trakas

"La Source / La Voir et L'entendre" is an interactive work in which visitors can both see the landscape reflected in the water and hear the flow of a waterfall; it was created by Christophe Gonnet and George Trakas in 2012.

Description of the work

• Creators: Christophe Gonnet and George Trakas.
• Title: La Source / La Voir et L'entendre (part of the Échelle 1.4 program "La Source / La Voir Et L'entendre").
• Year: September 2012 as part of a residency in the Pays Horte et Tardoire region.
• Characteristics: The installation combines the flow of water with the footsteps of visitors, offering a unique sensory experience that engages both sight and hearing.
  A solid oak platform, featuring a central limestone strip, allows visitors to observe the water and the landscape. The platform is accessible via a metal grating ramp. Access to the pumping station element is via a concrete ramp, creating a resonance with the basin. The interior is plunged into darkness and silence, broken only by the continuous sound of the water.

Artistic Experience

• The visitor is immersed in a dialogue between water and space where sound, light, and natural materials combine to create an almost religious atmosphere.
• The work invites contemplation of the reflected landscape, attentive listening to the trickling and falling water, and reflection on the connection between nature and artistic intervention.

This installation is a notable example of contemporary art in nature, combining aesthetics, landscape, and interaction with the visitor.

The work is located at the wash house and the old reservoir at the headwaters of the Échelle stream in Dignac. It can be explored as part of the Circuit du chemin Henri IV, a walk shaded by oak and chestnut trees that blends art and nature. The trail is accessible year-round and also includes a fitness trail for all ages.
To reach the artwork: from the parking lot, cross the road, go through a gate, follow the sunken path, and descend toward the wash house and reservoir. The walk then continues along the rest of the trail. It is recommended to wear shoes suitable for the slightly steep terrain and to take advantage of the site’s serenity for a fully immersive experience.