Co_Sonic 1884 km² is a visual-poetic reflection and an AI powered soundscape. It tells the story of the (co)existence of river environments and their inhabitants.
Presented at Watermans from Friday 14 July until Sunday 15 October 2023 as part of its new media art programme.
About the Exhibition
The project brings us closer to the life of river flora and fauna, while drawing attention to the problematic nature of human control over the aquatic environment. By moving away from an anthropocentric view of the world, the artist reveals a new perspective on the Ljubljanica River and its ecosystem.
Throughout history, the Ljubljanica has wormed its way below and above the surface. Unaware that they are the same river, people have given different names to each of the above-ground parts of the river. Co_Sonic 1884 km² shows its water body through the prism of its integral whole. Co_Sonic 1884 km² is a document of the current times in which rivers are becoming powerless due to human intervention. It calls on us to build empathy for ‘non-human’ entities and to adopt strategies for ecological development for a time when our generation will be long gone.
Exhibition credits
Artist (concept, sound, photography, video editing): Robertina Šebjanič
Photo and video recording on site: Miha Godec
AI programmation of sound: Moisés Horta Valenzuela
Voices: Róisín Seoighe, Polona Torkar, Zagi Zornada
Sound mastering: Mauricio Valdes, Robertina Šebjanič
Production of audio-video installation: Cukrarna Gallery 2021 / 2022 (Museum and Galleries of Ljubljana)
About
Robertina Šebjanič
Robertina Šebjanič (Ljubljana) is an awarded and internationally exhibited artist/researcher. Her work explores the biological, chemical, (geo)political and cultural realities of aquatic environments. It also explores the impact of humanity on other organisms. Her projects call for the development of empathetic strategies aimed at recognising the other (non-human) species. In her analysis of the Anthropocene and its theoretical framework, the artist uses the terms “aquatocene” and “aquaforming” to refer to the human impact on aquatic environments. Her works received awards and nominations at Prix Ars Electronica, Starts Prize, Falling Walls, RE:Humanism.