In collaboration with Mark Eckstrand (glass), Mindaugas Miselis (electronics), Outi Wahlroos (experiments), Alessandro Volpato (experiments)

Love Letters to My Fellow Human narrates the profound impact of global warming and ecological degradation on our planet, using a combination of symbolic objects, participatory events, and immersive experiences. 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 installations, 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.

Artworks

Artificial Jellyfish
Cascade Garden
Puddle Garden
Plant Containers

Experiments

Experiment #1
Experiment #2
Experiment #3

Related Media

Underwater photo. Photo: Artificial Jellyfish
Underwater photo. Photo: Artificial Jellyfish
Installation view. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Martin Wrede
Puddle Garden. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Martin Wrede
Puddle Garden. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Martin Wrede
Puddle Garden. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Martin Wrede
Cascade Garden. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Mindaugas Gapševičius
Cascade Garden (detail) in combination with Artificial Jellyfish. Photo: Martin Wrede
Cascade Garden (detail) in combination with Artificial Jellyfish. Photo: Martin Wrede
Plant Containers. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Martin Wrede
Plant Containers. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Martin Wrede
Puddle Garden (detail) in combination with Artificial Jellyfish. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Martin Wrede
Puddle Garden (detail). Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Martin Wrede
Puddle Garden (detail) in combination with Artificial Jellyfish. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Martin Wrede
Puddle Garden (detail) in combination with Artificial Jellyfish. Open Studios Tempelhof 2024. Photo: Mindaugas Gapševičius
Artificial Jellyfish to capture turbidity of the water (left) and underwater photos (right). Photo: Martin Wrede
Artificial Jellyfish to capture turbidity of the water (left) and underwater photos (right). Reverse side. Photo: Martin Wrede
Underwater images by Artificial Jellyfish. Photo: Martin Wrede
Underwater images by Artificial Jellyfish. Photo: Martin Wrede