The Way of Water: Lachlan Turczan’s Fluid Soundscapes

On the pacific coast of mexico, this emerging artist is interacting with the environment to create a dialogue between nature and sheer

““An architect must prioritize proportion for the building and the surrounding landscape.””

— Aurelianus

At the break of dawn in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, along the Pacific coast, a young man stands with his jeans rolled up against the rising tide. He sets up his camera with precision, carefully adjusting the shutter speed. His silhouette contrasts against the vast, twilight-blue landscape as the first streak of light emerges on the horizon. Suddenly, a glowing serpent appears to ripple through the water – or so it seems. On closer inspection, it’s not a snake at all, but a slender light reflector. This is part of an experiment led by Lachlan Turczan, a multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles, whose work delves into the optical and sonic properties of water.

For the past decade, Turczan has crafted a body of work exploring how water can shape light and sound. Inspired by the stark, dry landscapes of Los Angeles, he views water as both a precious resource and a medium for creating immersive, kinetic sculptures that reveal how natural phenomena can shift human perception. In his Veil series, for instance, Turczan installed temporary light sculptures across remote Californian landscapes, from the misty coasts of Sea Ranch to the blistering heat of Death Valley. These installations, reminiscent of rainbows or noctilucent clouds, recreate atmospheric phenomena on an intimate scale, offering fleeting glimpses of nature’s magic through the interplay of light and water.

Now, Turczan is one of the first artists selected for a special residency by the founders of Musa, a natural estate, hotel, and artist’s retreat along the largely unexplored coast of Zihuatanejo. This initiative was recently launched by Mexican architect Andrés Saavedra and his Canadian partner, Tara Medina. At the dinner table that evening, Turczan muses, ‘With this piece, I aim to illuminate my vision, exploring natural phenomena and the visualisation of sound.’ His installation for Musa, set to debut at Salone del Mobile in Milan, strikes a balance between a light show and a sound bath – a meditative experience enhanced by singing bowls. After its unveiling, the piece will become a permanent fixture in a pavilion near a water temple, continuing his exploration of how natural elements can be harnessed to evoke sensory and emotional responses.

‘The water temple,’ Saavedra explains, ‘is a large, self-sustaining pond designed to enhance biodiversity.’ Ever one to view life from surprising angles, Saavedra applies this same philosophy to his art programme. ‘Residencies are often confined to a single format, one place, and a fixed timeframe. We wanted to break free from that; allowing our talented guests to lead the way.’ While offering artists creative freedom, Saavedra is also keen to address climate challenges. ‘It might sound a bit ambitious,’ he smiles, ‘but I have two daughters, aged 14 and 18, and thinking about the future is essential.’

With over 280,000 square metres of land, Saavedra and Medina are experimenting with solutions for water conservation, crafting bespoke furniture in their workshop using local materials, and collaborating with a marine biologist to help restore coral reefs off the coast. Special underwater cones have been placed just offshore to support coral growth.

Musa’s overarching vision is to create an adventurous, self-sustaining community nestled in nature, with a variety of home types – 90% of which have already been sold to a diverse mix of South Americans and Europeans, from musicians to entrepreneurs with young families. The development includes a newly opened school and hotel. At guesthouse Hotelito, guests can stay and fully immerse themselves in the Musa experience. Alongside Turczan, other artists have been invited, including scientist Rachal Garrard, who has created a stone sculpture on the beach and a painting for the lobby. Guests can also embark on a breathtaking art walk, losing themselves in the ever-evolving outdoor museum that continues to inspire.