Leviathan comprises three interconnected electro-mechanical machines that share data to drive two dynamic simulations. The left machine generates an Arctic landscape with motion and visual effects influenced by the system’s internal heat. The right machine simulates a virtual ocean with procedurally generated icebergs that respond to the cooling process within the system. At the center, a robotic system monitors temperature changes from the processors and cooling mechanisms. This central machine also freezes water collected from an Arctic glacier, with a microscopic camera capturing the continuous cycle of freezing and melting—a process symbolizing the delicate balance between heat and cold.
In addition, an embedded directional speaker projects a sound field five feet in front of the system, playing a composition of hydrophone recordings of ice melting collected from Svalbard in the Arctic. By blending physical and virtual elements, Leviathan combines real-world environmental data with procedural simulations to explore the fragile equilibrium between natural and artificial environments.
This project was made possible with support from Laumeire Sculpture Park, St. Louis
The Future is Present: February 6–May 8, 2021 / Aronson Fine Arts Center
The Future is Present: February 6–May 8, 2021 / Aronson Fine Arts Center
"The Future is Present: Art and Global Change examined the intersections between art and some of the world’s most pressing issues: climate change, environmental crisis and the related global repercussions. The exhibition explored the innovation of artists and their commitment to understanding humankind’s material impact on nature and technology’s role in understanding this global emergency.
The Future is Present emphasized the urgency of topics ranging from deforestation and astronomical phenomena to tech waste. The artists assembled brought perspectives from across the planet, and used video, sound, virtual/augmented reality and upcycled materials to address this theme.
Exhibition artists:
Daniel Canogar (Los Angeles/Madrid)
Hannah Chalew (New Orleans)
Jake Chapman (London)
Pete Froslie (Norman, OK)
Jenny Kendler (Chicago)
Van McElwee (St. Louis)
Elias Sime (Addis Ababa)Calum Stirling (Glasgow) and Daniel Fishkin (Charlottesville)
Marina Zurkow (New York)
Hannah Chalew (New Orleans)
Jake Chapman (London)
Pete Froslie (Norman, OK)
Jenny Kendler (Chicago)
Van McElwee (St. Louis)
Elias Sime (Addis Ababa)Calum Stirling (Glasgow) and Daniel Fishkin (Charlottesville)
Marina Zurkow (New York)
According to Curator Dana Turkovic, the exhibition’s title is inspired by a quote from Bertrand Picard, a co-pilot of the first solar powered balloon to attempt to circle the world non-stop. Turkovic says, “Describing his experience, Picard explained ‘when landing, it was like going back to the past’ realizing his ability to push the boundary of existing knowledge in his field of study.”
She adds, “In the spirit of this ground-breaking exploration, the exhibition will examine the insights of artists, highlighting how the visual culture sector is not only reflecting our world back to us, but doing so through the lens of technology, taking charge on our environment and reminding us that our future is the present.”