Monday, 23 September 2024
A unique science and art project exploring the human quest for space migration has blasted off into space and is now 250 miles above earth on the ISS Space Station.
Ēngines of Ēternity has been created by the SEADS (Space Ecologies Art and Design) art collective co-lead by Dr Ulrike Kuchner from the University of Nottingham and is in close collaboration with evolutionary biologist, Prof. Karine Van Doninck. The artistic element explores the human quest for migration to space and cultural immortality through the lens of the smallest animals on Earth, rotifers.
Rotifers are microscopic aquatic animals with the unique capacity for endless self-repair and cloning. They also appear to take advantage of horizontal gene transfer to breed diversity and adapt: DNA from totally different organisms such as fungi, bacteria and plants were discovered inside the rotifer’s genome. In the process, diversity is generated. Prof Karine Van Dononck describes: “Rotifers are natural engineers producing unique compounds to resist extreme conditions.”
SEADS---Engines-of-Eternity-(2024)_print-on-RoB2.1-hardware_photo-by-Boris-Hespeels
Ēngines of Ēternity is the latest in a series of space biology experiments where rotifers have been sent to the International Space Station, with previous missions in 2019 and 2020. Led by Prof Karine Van Doninck’s research group. SEADS thumb-printed a series of glyphs onto the specimen bags, which originated the algorithmic seed for an evolving artwork. After each space mission, genetic data of the rotifers’ development in the harsh environment of space, is used to continuously evolve the art.
It is a unique artwork with the involvement of many different disciplines co-created by rotifers, humans, algorithms and the space environment itself. The artwork is an evolving work and has several manifestations including; digital algorithms, graphics, 3D printed sculptures, drawings and a poetic video essay.
Transdisciplinary collaborations across art and science like this one are amazing ways to holistically understand the world and our place in it. Not only does it co-create knowledge taking multiple angles into account, it also opens a window to the public to participate in scientific exploration.
The sculptures comprise a unique “Data Monument” that in itself develops with each space mission and through SEADS’ ongoing creative process. The third round of the experiment in space has now finished. Together with the artwork, the specimen bags are now ready for its performative element: It will burn up upon re-entry into the atmosphere — visible as a shooting star.
The SEADS art collective is an international transdisciplinary collective of artists, scientists, educators, and activists that is engaged in deconstructing dominant paradigms about the future and developing alternative models through critical inquiry and hands-on experimentation. Ēngines of Ēternity encapsulates the entirety of the experiments, explorations, conversations and outcomes related to the collaborative engagement between SEADS and the scientific ESA RISE (Rotifer In SpacE) project led by Prof Van Doninck.
SEADS project team is: Angelo Vermeulen, Ulrike Kuchner, Pieter Steyaert, Nassim Versbraegen, Karine Van Doninck, Fred Sena, Jeroen Verschuren, Diego Maranan, Ann Peeters, Victor Steemans, Pim Tournaye, Nils Faber, Fattana Mirzada.
Story credits
More information is available from Dr Ulrike Kuchner on Ulrike.Kuchner@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
About the University of Nottingham
Ranked 32 in Europe and 16th in the UK by the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2024, the University of Nottingham is a founding member of the Russell Group of research-intensive universities. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience, and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our students. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement.
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