Ecosystem II is an interactive installation composed of a hand woven linen textile, sonic elements and growing flax plants. This autonomous installation is interacting with its immediate environment and that of the growing plants. Embedded sensors are measuring ambient light, temperature and humidity; in response to these changing factors, the sonic composition is modulating and transforming the ongoing composition. Emerging through embroidered textile speakers the subtle additions to the Sonosphere are constantly adapting to the environmental measurements. The composition intertwines recordings of a weaving loom and sounds from the natural outdoor environment. 

 

Reflecting on our intimate relationship to textiles, this installation unfolds the conversation to our interrelation with the environment. Looking at textiles as interfaces translating cultural markers and ancient knowledge, the shadow weave structure is inspired by the idea of contemporary digital screens. The RGB (red, green, blue) warp colours and the black weft threads link to the shadow mask technology used in CRT (carbon-ray tube) televisions. 

 

The plants are growing within a synthetic environment under the close surveillance of sensors enhanced by modulated sounds. The dialogue between the growing flax plants and the woven linen panel reflect on recent political speeches about environmental issues held by many Western leaders. Looking at the “Green New Deal” plan based on the antagonistic speech of capitalism that is trying to accommodate ecological urgency and neoliberal growth policies. Why should the plant grow better in this artificial system of care? The screen-like woven textile and its sonic outputs are reminders of the coded environment playing back sonic memories to hold the plant in space. The Anthropocenic resilience is ultimately not responding to our urge to control nor a camouflage of the dogma of the eternal growth policies.

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