In search of other forms of time that challenge the hegemonic temporality—one that insists on viewing life, territories, and the futu- re as a unidirectional and finite journey—Gianine explores the research of geologist James Hutton. This Scottish farmer developed geological theories suggesting that the Earth’s history, or its physical age—also known as deep time—can be inferred by observing rocks. Hutton confirmed his theory at geological sites in Scotland, where he identified unconformities in the junction of rock forma- tions from different eras. He also discovered that these sedimentary unconformities contain hiatuses, or gaps in time, which repre- sent millions of years in the Earth’s history.

Hiatus in Time investigates these apparent voids and sonically records them using a seismograph and contact microphones, at- tempting to engage in a conversation with these geological tensions in the Peruvian territory. Gianine worked closely with geolo- gists from PUCP and the Geological Institute of Peru, identifying one of the most prominent hiatuses on the Peruvian coast: the Canta hiatus. To foster dialogue between humans and stones, Gianine works with different organic and mineral materials, deve- loping biomaterials from avocado pits and shells, as well as ceramics. The outcome is a sculptural ensemble with forms that bear the imprints of the hiatus’ vibrations, along with a photographic series and a video documenting encounters between the artist, the rocks, and the hiatus.

Overstimulated and endlessly distracted, it has become increasingly difficult to hear the sounds, voices, and noises around us. This impoverishment of our listening takes place within a global crisis context, where territory is contested and used to justify genocide. Hiatus in Time emphasizes that rocks have much to say, and creates a space to facilitate deep and careful listening. Gianine pro- poses a conversation and attentive listening between beings to rethink the processes of territorial formation and its rhythms—and how we are shaped in relation to and alongside them.

Gisselle Girón Casas