Art & Science project being developed by Joanna Hoffmann with the ASN Team in the frame of the SPIN-FERT / Horizon Europe (Misson Soil) program
ORCHID is an interactive multimedia installation that challenges our perception of the environment by inviting participants to cooperate in a dynamic exploration of interconnectedness and transformation. As an artist, I imagine a world where we do not see objects as separate entities but as part of a continuous flow and exchange of information and resources.
In ORCHID participants engage with a system that simulates the life cycle of an orchid—from seed to flower to seed again. This immersive experience emphasises key concepts such as holism, holobiosis, and holobionts, presenting the orchid and its environment as an integrated, dynamic network. The project seeks to illustrate the intricate web of interactions, information processing, and interdependencies that sustain life and drive metamorphosis within ecosystems. At the same time, it conveys the knowledge gained by the research of the SPIN-FERT Consortium on soil management and biostimulants.
In the art project an orchid is not a concrete species but a metaphor of interconnectedness, persistence and beauty of nature.research
Key Concepts: All is Data
Holism and Holobiosis
The installation embodies a holistic view of life, where organisms and their environments are inseparable. This interconnectedness is central to understanding how life functions as a unified whole.
Dynamic and Complex Systems
The orchid's life cycle is portrayed as a complex system, characterized by constant change and adaptation. Participants witness the flow of information and resources through this system, highlighting the dynamic nature of life.
Information Flow and Networks
"Orchid" visualizes the continuous flow of information between various agents within the ecosystem. This flow is essential for the transformation and growth of the orchid, demonstrating how life is sustained through communication and cooperation.
Interactive Experience:
Participants in “Orchid” become active agents in the life cycle of the orchid. Their interactions with the installation trigger different phases of growth and transformation, requiring coordinated actions to progress through each stage. This collaborative effort mirrors the interdependent nature of ecosystems, where each element relies on others to thrive.
Artistic Vision:
By viewing the environment not as a collection of discrete objects but as a network of interactions, ORCHID offers a new perspective on how we perceive and engage with the natural world. This project aims to deepen our understanding of the inherent connections between organisms and their surroundings, fostering a greater appreciation for the delicate balance that sustains life.
ORCHID ultimately reveals the profound interconnection between life forms and their environments, encouraging us to consider the broader implications of our actions within these complex, dynamic systems. Through this installation, participants gain insight into the transformative power of cooperation and the intricate networks that bind us all.
concept: Joanna Hoffmann, programming: Norberto Hernandez with contribution by Supipi Amarejeeva, music: Andre Bartetzki
Project Evolution: Progress in pictures
more coming soon
animation by Plelly Panagiota
