Brekekekex, ko-ax, ko-ax!

This installation, created with Illart Alkorta, is a synthetic-ecological system that is constantly listening. It is made up mainly of a population of frogs, among them the typical San Sebastián frog, Hyla meridionalis subsp. synthetica.

Depending on the calendar and on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, it displays different dynamics and behaviours – spontaneous, non-human – that can be perceived through listening. This leads us to understand the installation as a living organism.

The installation also proposes a reflection on silence, on listening, on the spontaneity of sound events and on sound as a sign.

At the same time, it is an investigation into the habits and dynamics of this species of tree frog. What leads a frog to break the silence and emit a sound? What dynamics give rise to a frog chorus? What qualities does this sound have, and what do they mean to us?

Exhibitions

Main Staircase, Tabakalera, San Sebastián (12 February – 26 July 2026)

Performances

Night listening at Tabakalera: Brekekekex, ko-ax, ko-ax! (12 February 2026) – 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, in which the call of the typical San Sebastián frog, Hyla meridionalis subsp. synthetica, can be heard alongside the sounds generated for the installation.

The activation will show the installation’s ability to replicate, imitate, synthesise and abstract the sounds of frogs. For the occasion, Tabakalera will exceptionally open its doors at night, outside its usual hours, in a setting that invites 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 give a brief introduction before listening to the natural and synthesised calls of the frogs.

Press

Noticias de Gipuzkoa
Diario Vasco
Gente Digital
Europa Press
Kulturklik

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to María del Pilar Nieto Bueno, Ivonne Villamil, Raúl Ruiz, Olatz San Sebastián, Xabi Rubio, Jaime de los Ríos, Alba Fernández, Rubén Jurado and family, Miquel Gatell, Gloria Bosch, Zoe, Lua and Itzel, Tania Cavada, Lur Alkorta, Iñaki Alkorta, Mari Jose Andoaga and Maixux Ibañez.