Brekekekex, ko-ax, ko-ax!
This installation is a synthetic-ecological system that is constantly listening.
Mikel R. Nieto & Illart Alkorta
12 FEB 2026 – 26 JUL 2026
Main Staircase
Tabakalera – San Sebastián (Spain)
This installation is a synthetic-ecological system that is constantly listening. It is primarily composed of a population of frogs. Among other species, there is the typical San Sebastian frog, Hyla meridionalis subsp. synthetica.
Depending on the calendar and a number of environmental factors like temperature and humidity, it displays different, spontaneous, and non-human dynamics and behaviours that can be perceived through listening. This leads us to understand the installation as a living organism.
Likewise, the installation proposes a reflection on silence, listening, the spontaneity of sound events, and sound as a sign.
At the same time, it is also an investigation into the habits and dynamics of this species of tree frog. What factors lead a frog to break the silence and emit a sound? What dynamics lead to the formation of a frog chorus? What characteristics does this sound have and what do they mean to us?
Acknowledgement: María del Pilar Nieto Bueno, Ivonne Villamil, Raúl Ruiz, Olatz San Sebastián, Xabi Rubio, Jaime de los Ríos, Alba Fernández, Rubén Jurado y familia, Miquel Gatell, Gloria Bosch, Zoe, Lua e Itzel. Tania Cavada, Lur Alkorta, Iñaki Alkorta, Mari Jose Andoaga & Maixux Ibañez.
Night listening at Tabakalera: Brekekekex, ko-ax, ko-ax! – Guided tour
Sound artist, independent researcher, and curator Mikel R. Nieto will activate his sound installation Brekekekex, ko-ax, ko-ax! on the main staircase of Tabakalera. It is an ecological and acoustic system that combines real and synthesised frogs and in which one can hear the call of the typical San Sebastián frog, Hyla meridionalis subsp. synthetica, along with the sounds generated for the installation.
The installation’s activation will showcase its ability to replicate, imitate, synthesise, and abstract the sounds of frogs. For this event, Tabakalera will exceptionally open its doors at night, outside of its usual hours, in a context that will encourage reflection on silence, listening, and the spontaneity of sound events.
The activity is open to the public (with prior registration) and requires no previous knowledge or special equipment. Mikel R. Nieto will offer a brief introduction before listening to the natural and synthesised calls of the frogs.
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