In collaboration with Mark Eckstrand (glass), Mindaugas Miselis, Felix Bonowski (electronics), Outi Wahlroos, Alessandro Volpato (experiments)
An installation Love Letters to My Fellow Human narrates the profound impact of global warming and ecological degradation on our planet. At the heart of this project lies the figure of the artificial jellyfish, a poignant symbol of both the beauty and fragility of the oceans, crafted from plastic and electronic components. Through a series of participatory events and experiments, the project seeks to provoke critical reflection on the changing natural environment, the implications of uncontrolled technological intervention, and the coexistence of humans, robots, and non-human species.
The project draws inspiration from a diverse array of sources, including the evocative narratives found in messages enclosed within bottles washed ashore, as well as historical precedents such as the “LoveLetters” program developed by software engineer Christofer Stanchey. Furthermore, the artificial jellyfish references the potential of ecological robots – so called drifters in oceanography – to facilitate scientific inquiry and deepen our understanding of marine dynamics.
Underwater photo. Photo: Artificial JellyfishUnderwater photo. Photo: Artificial JellyfishInstallation view. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Martin WredePuddle Garden. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Martin WredePuddle Garden. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Martin WredeCascade Garden. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Mindaugas GapševičiusCascade Garden (detail) in combination with Artificial Jellyfish. Photo: Martin WredeCascade Garden (detail) in combination with Artificial Jellyfish. Photo: Martin WredePlant Containers. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Martin WredePlant Containers. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Martin WredePuddle Garden (detail) in combination with Artificial Jellyfish. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Martin WredePuddle Garden (detail). Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Martin WredePuddle Garden (detail) in combination with Artificial Jellyfish. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Martin WredePuddle Garden (detail) in combination with Artificial Jellyfish. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Mindaugas GapševičiusArtificial Jellyfish to capture turbidity of the water (left) and underwater photos (right). Photo: Martin WredeArtificial Jellyfish to capture turbidity of the water (left) and underwater photos (right). Reverse side. Photo: Martin WredeUnderwater images by Artificial Jellyfish. Photo: Martin WredeUnderwater images by Artificial Jellyfish. Photo: Martin Wrede