In February 2023, we engaged in conversations with Tim Parsons and Jessica Charlesworth, a Chicago-based design team (Parsons & Charlesworth), about the possible collaboration on Art + Science concepts. Tim and Jess care deeply about, and are inspired by, broad science topics related to climate change and the ongoing extinctions of species. Those conversations evolved rapidly and ultimately focused on algae as a source of design inspiration, development, and output. Their collaboration with us culminated in the “Algae Kin-Gatherer,” which was on display at DEMO23 on Pier17 in New York City. DEMO23 is a new festival created by NEW INC, the New Museum’s incubator for art, design, and technology.
The Algae Kin-Gatherer on display at NY Pier 17 as part of DEMO23. Photo credit Isaiah Winters.
“The Algae Kin-Gatherer, is the inaugural sculptural piece from our ongoing climate fiction project, Multispecies Inc. This artwork is an example of a new object typology we are exploring – the kin-gatherer – which we see as a tool for extreme empathy that goes beyond data-collection to attempt a more visceral connection with the “umwelt” of other species.” (Tim and Jess)
By doing genome sequencing on the samples from the NY East River we can get a better understanding of what species are present and how these interact with each other, and whether or not they can give rise to algal blooms.
Dr. John KyndtProfessor, Microbiology and Sustainability
The Algae Kin-Gatherer comprises a raft and accessories that allow users to “make kin with algae” and gain a profound understanding of their world. It involves floating face-down on water, attracting and observing algae, feeding them with exhaled CO2, and breathing in the oxygen they produce. The artwork is accompanied by an audio story, accessible here.
