Nature connection 2.0: Can technology save nature?

Can humans and plants interact? Can artificial intelligence change our living conditions? And can the extinction of coral reefs be prevented with the help of kinetic energy? An internationally renowned group of artists has addressed these questions and digitally explored the relationship between technology and nature in a series of technoscientific installations.

In Basel, the House of Electronic Arts (HEK) Until 13 November, the new version of an exhibition enriched with works by Ursula Endlicher, which has already been shown this year in this year's European Capital of Culture Esch an der Alzette in the south of Luxembourg. The exhibition is called: "Earthbound - In dialogue with nature".

Stroke plants once

From the very first few metres, the exhibition encourages visitors to question their own relationship with nature and its symbolism. "You are welcome to gently caress the plants" is written below the plant pots dangling from the ceiling.

María Castellanos‘ und Alberto Valverdes Werk «Beyond Human Perception», in dem Pflanzen von Musikern bespielt werden, liefert Hinweise, dass dies zumindest im Raum des Möglichen zu sein scheint. Mittels Sensoren werden Pflanzenschwingungen gemessen und digital für die Besucher aufgearbeitet.

Biosystems under the supervision of artificial intelligence

In three glass tanks a few steps further on in Tega Brain's "Deep Swamp", semi-flooded biosystems are observed using cameras and artificial intelligence programmes and enriched with light, water, mist and nutrients as required.

Virtual rainforest

Und mit einer Virtual Reality Brille lässt sich in Rasa Smites & Raitis Smits‘ «Atmospheric Forest» schwindelerregend in einen digitalisierten Wald eintauchen. Zur Erstellung der 3D-Visualisierung nutzten die Kunstschaffenden bestehende Daten zu einem Waldgebiet in den Schweizer Alpen, das unter Trockenheit leidet.

Nature conservation through digitalisation

The HEK writes in its press release that the decisive factor for the large-scale artistic exploration is the exaggeration of threatening weather phenomena. Without showing "technologies as guarantors of a 'better' future", these make ecological processes more tangible.

To this end, the artists work with exaggerated futuristic elements, but also with trivial comparisons between animals, the environment and humans. The technical achievements on display do not interfere grossly with existing biosystems, but rather create a subtle approach to understanding them.

Source: bzbasel