Poorna- Simulations of the whole
at The Propeller Gallery, Abell St, Toronto, ON (Oct 23, 2024)
“Doomed techno-fix: Poorna (simulations of the whole) fails in reversing global warming
In a desperate bid to reverse global warming, scientists initiated simulations using spirulina, a kind of algae, to re-oxygenate the atmosphere. These ambitious endeavours, hailed as a techno-fix, soon revealed their fatal flaw—lack of foresight. These man-made systems were too dependent on resources to keep them running. The experiments, perpetually maintained by dedicated technicians, continued despite their futility and high costs.
While the atmosphere remained unchanged, a peculiar trend emerged — children developed an affinity for the vibrant green algae liquids. Amidst the uncertainty of their impact, these experiments inadvertently became a source of fascination for the younger generation, igniting their curiosity and sparking discussions about humanity’s complex implicit relationship with nature and technology.
Perhaps this curiosity will fuel innovative approaches to coexistence, urging future thinkers to reimagine sustainable solutions beyond conventional methods.
Artist statement:
This speculative installation reflects on humanity’s complex relationship with technology and nature, inspired by the story of a failed attempt to reverse global warming through algae-based solutions—the installation features suspended spirulina-filled vessels, symbolizing scientists’ ambitious yet flawed efforts to re-oxygenate the atmosphere.
The intertwined materials represent the entanglement of human ambition with natural processes. The work invites viewers to contemplate the unintended consequences of technological fixes and the potential for future generations to approach environmental challenges with creativity and playfulness. By blending elements of speculative fiction with material experimentation, this kinetic piece challenges conventional approaches to sustainability, suggesting that the future of coexistence lies in embracing both the wisdom and the folly of our attempts to engineer nature.
Alage Worlds - Research into living with Spirulina
Algae, and cyanobacteria were thefirst life forms on Earth. Microalgae are among the most efficientphotosynthetic organisms for carbon capture and high biomass productivity.2Going deeper into my inquiry into how nature is not a mother, I investigate theiterative, symbiotic species of algae and how to make kin with these 4-billion-year-oldorganisms and make art with them.
This independent study explores if algae can be integrated into art objects,offering beauty and respite from the everyday while becoming a part of it. I explored ways of making while living and working with spirulina over two summers .
There were times when I felt abit foolish trying to grow algae cultures in my studio, away from the “natural”systems they are part of – the sun, the lakes, and rocks. I was addingnutrients to the cultures, adjusting LED lights, checking the pH of water, andkeeping the air-conditioning running on hot days. I came to understand what atechno-fix is - spending more energy to create conditions that exist in anatural habitat. While discussing this conundrum with Dr.Ian Clarke, he said,“There are only are only sustainable systems and neversustainable objects.”[1]This made me think deeply about how to change my perspective and think in alanguage of systems and not objects or individuals.
The Western distinctionbetween human, culture and nature creates a divide between the “inside” and the“outside” perpetuating a binary division between nature and culture (Latour24-84). The dominant narrative of scarcity and crisis in news cycles that BrunoLatour refers to in his lecture, Facing Gaia (Latour 24-84) keeps thefocus on survival without making any real changes, critically looking at rootcauses or changing habits that lead to over-consumption in the first place.
[1] “Thereare only sustainable systems, there are no sustainable objects.” - Dr.IanClarke July 19, 2023
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