Ephemeral Biosphere: Plants, the Wardian Case, and Artistic Responses in a Changing Biosphere
Language
engPublication classification
M Media articleEditor/Contributor(s)
Christoph Rosol, Giulia RispoliSource title
Anthropocene CurriculumPagination
1-10Research statement
Background
This project produces new knowledge at the intersection of the history of science and artistic engagement in the Anthropocene. Produced as part of a recalibration of how we produce knowledge in the Anthropocene, the project looked at museum collections (the Wardian Case), Anthropocene science (contributed by leading geologist Mark Williams) and artistic works produced by artists Vicki Hallett, Mary-Jane Walker and Heather Hesterman. The acadmic context for these new “experiments” is more formally laid out in Rosol (2021) – but it only functions through NTRO collaborations such as this one.
Contribution
This project is part of the ongoing “Anthropocene Curriculum” compiled by the Haus der Kulturen Der Welt and the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science that produces NTROs for new knowledge in the Anthropocene. The project had a budget of $10,000 which contributed to artist contributions and was funded as part of the City of Greater Geelong and the MPIWG. The project created new knowledge about how we understand biosphere in a changing world by looking at histories, science and art. The project was largely completed in 2021 and published in a Non-Traditional online format in 2022.
Significance
“Ephemeral Biosphere” was significant in a number of ways. First it showed the collaborative elements of research and museums coming into contact at the zone of dramatically changing environment. Second, it showed the varying interpretations that need to be accommodated when we are trying to navigate the emerging Anthropocene world. Third, it showed an innovative online digital research format that showcased varying forms (artworks, text, and sound) in explaining the challenges we face. The project was a significant international collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science and the Haus der Kulturen der Welt.Publisher
Max Planck Institure for the History of SciencePlace of publication
Berlin, GermanySource
Anthropogenic Markers: Stratigraphy and Context
