with Gabriel Francisco Lemos

Registration: The walk has limited spots (max. 12 participants). Please register in advance via: anmeldung@ngbk.de

Meeting point: Ostkreuz Station, platform 1
Google coordinates

Natural environments offer endless possibilities for unplanned encounters, including interactions with flora, fauna, and various modes of attention, perception, and connection of the senses. These unique experiences, especially in woodlands, can inspire a range of wandering processes, explorations, and states of mind—audible or otherwise.

When we think of networks in nature, mushrooms and mycelium often come to mind. Similarly, when we think of music and mushrooms, John Cage is a natural association.

“I have spent many pleasant hours in the woods conducting performances of my silent pieces,” Cage once said. The work he refers to includes the compositions he frequently “conducted” from 1956 onwards while wandering through the woods near his home in Stony Point, USA. During these introspective yet observant walks, Cage would also

forage for and eat wild mushrooms. With this in mind, our guiding principle during this year’s Silent Networks Walk is inspired by Cage’s reflection on his compositional practice:

“I am not interested in the relationship between sounds and mushrooms any more than I am in those between sounds and other sounds […] These would involve an introduction of logic that is not only out of place in the world, but time-consuming […] I do not deal in purposes; I deal with sounds. I make them just as well by sitting quite still looking for mushrooms.” He continues: “I have come to the conclusion that much can be learned about music by devoting oneself to the mushroom.”

Building on these ideas, we will start from this relationship between Cage’s passion for mushrooms, his modes of attention, and the connection between his “silent pieces” and 4’33” (1952)—one of the most important conceptual works of the 20th century. Beyond that, participants will be encouraged to engage in self-reflection and develop their own personal connections between the field trip, the concepts discussed, and their individual wandering processes in relation to mushroom identification and being in nature. The aim is for each participant to explore ways to integrate these experiences into their own practice. The field trip will include listening exercises, performances of various “silent pieces” and mushroom identification. Participants are encouraged to bring their own recording devices, cameras, notebooks, and any resources central to their creative practice.

Gabriel Francisco Lemos (born 1988 in Brazil, based in Berlin) is a multimedia artist, composer, and educator who focuses on collaboration and mutualism. His work spans sound compositions, technology, and both spoken and written word, utilizing formats like performance, video, print, installation, lectures and multimedia projects. He also teaches electronic music composition and performance as a freelancer and is passionate about mushrooms. Lemos has exhibited his work at festivals and events in Brazil, London, Chile, the Netherlands, Germany, Monaco, and Portugal. He currently experiments with neural synthesis in generative sound art and hybrid narrative formats that emphasize the potential of attention as practice, and connectivity between humans, objects and other forms of life. His research centers on the creative possibilities and societal implications of knowledge systems in artistic processes and modes of reflection.

Accessibility and information on the event:

Meeting point and journey:
- Meeting point: Ostkreuz Station, Platform 1, at 09:30 AM.
- We’ll take the RE7 train (direction Senftenberg) at 09:53 AM.
- The train runs only once per hour, so punctuality is important.
- Travel time is approx. 45 minutes to the Brandenburg region (Halbe / Freidorf area).

Tickets:
- If you have a Deutschlandticket, you can use it.
- If not, you’ll need a regional round-trip ticket (Berlin ABC to Halbe).
- If the ticket cost is a barrier, please contact us.

Mobility & Site Info:
- The forest path is not fully wheelchair accessible and may include uneven terrain, roots, and mud. Please let us know your access needs in advance—we’ll do our best to accommodate.
- The train and station have step-free access and elevators.
- Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) and service animals are welcome.
- Breaks will be provided during the walk.
- There are no accessible public restrooms in the forest area.
- There will be a quiet zone/low-stimulation area available during breaks.

Communication & Sensory Access:
- We aim to communicate in clear, simple language (minimal jargon).
- This event includes listening exercises and moments of silence.
- If you have chemical sensitivities, please note this is an outdoor event in a natural setting.
We ask participants to avoid wearing perfume or scented products.

Other Info:
- Please bring your own food and water (there are no food vendors nearby).
- If you plan to collect mushrooms, bring a basket or container.
- Dress appropriately for a day in the woods (layers, sturdy shoes).
- The event will be photographed. Please let us know in the event if you prefer not to be pictured.
- For any questions, specific access needs, or concerns: cruisingcurators@gmail.com