Aquaterrestrial Recolonization

Video

Description

In the Aquaterrestrial Recolonization, we are recording the current state of the surrounding dead coral reefs and feeding AI with that data to visualize a recolonized ocean floor; calculated imaging, returning to the planet parts mankind has destroyed. In our project, we are using AI as the planet Earth’s protector from further devastations. We are driven by the idea that maybe it is time to give to another intelligent entity based on logic and calculations rather than being greedy and careless.

Story

There are numerous scientific reports showing that coral reefs, which are are a crucial part of our planet’s ecosystem – and our existence, have been significantly jeopardised by increased pollution and the adverse effects of climate change. Reef systems are irreplaceable resources of food for a quarter of the ocean’s marine life and play an important role in the generation of clean air and the protection of vulnerable coastlines against erosion, flooding and st orms.
The coral reefs on this planet are dying due to pollution and climate change! Besides, the geographical position and geological composition of The Bahamas places the archipelago at the centre of an ecological/environmental disaster; one in which dire consequences, directly and indirectly, affect numerous sectors of human society such as the economy.
Project Aquaterrestrial Recolonization is a joint effort of a group of artists based in the Bahamas proactively responding to rising climate change concerns. We are recording the current state of the surrounding dead coral reefs and feeding AI with that data to visualize a recolonized ocean floor; a calculated imaging, returning to the planet parts mankind has destroyed. In our project, we are using AI as the planet Earth’s protector, from further devastations. Throughout history, human civilisation has been ignorant and often motivated only by profit and exploitation to take us to the point of watching our planet dying. We are driven with idea that maybe it is time to give to another intelligent entity, based on logic and calculations rather than being greedy and careless.
We are using AI technology to generate new coral reefs, and confront the audience with what we lost, where we are at the moment and what needs to be rebuilt to preserve our planet for the next generations. /

Link

• https://www.collegeforcreativestudies.edu/
• https://www.ub.edu.bs/
• http://www.airlab.science/

Images

Judge’s Comments

Atsuko Ogawa

Loftwork KyotoArt Director

Future of Ecosystems Prize

This is a wonderful idea that elegantly captures the issues of environmental and marine pollution together with a hopeful worldview and an artist’s vision of the future in a single ecosystem. At the same time, I think a higher level of technology and expertise is needed to connect this to solutions. Nevertheless, I wanted to single this out because human wisdom can surely converge around this project and realize this vision of the future. One more point: instead of “recolonization”, it might be better to choose a different name that suggests human coexistence with nature, not domination.

Kousuke Kinoshita

FabCafe Kyoto MTRL Marketing and Production

Data Visualization Prize

This felt to me like a valid approach to saving coral reefs. It uses AI to visualize what coral reefs are supposed to look like in their natural state, so we intuitively grasp the need for conservation and restoration. I’d like to know how this data can be used effectively and how we might design human interventions aimed at reversing the damage done to reefs by rising sea temperatures and pollution. I’d also like to hear more about coral regeneration efforts such as transplantation and cultivation, and how this project might be linked to them in future.