From Here to the Cosmos: Incomputable Views of the Above, Under and Around

Guillemette Legrand

07.09.2023

Human understanding of Earth’s geophysics relies on planetary sensing and modelling systems, such as satellite-imaging and climate modelling. This technological mediation is the only gaze from which the impact of human activity on the Earth’s climate can be observed, making it vital for maintaining life on Earth. In terms of visual literacy, however, there lies a gap between local experiences and the algorithmic climate projections that operate beyond human perception. To comprehend the unique aspects of Earth sensing and modelling within the Romanian context, partnerships were established with scientists and technologists specialising in local data, particularly with Dr Marian Neagul.

‘From Here to the Cosmos: Incomputable Views of the Above, Under and Around’ is an installation that places the viewer in front of a fragment resembling a sphere mesh, an archetype of Earth’s shape. Algorithmic simulations of the geophysical condition of Earth are projected onto it, produced by autonomous technical systems. These simulations span various timescales extracted from Timișoara’s environments: above (cloud detection), around (land usage detection), and under (ground motion monitoring). A voice-over reinterprets the synthetic visuality and the computational logic behind the installation. The experience disorients spatial perceptions, highlighting the need to question the reliance on visuality, and examine how it is shaping socio-cultural beliefs about the planet and the future.

Excerpt of video "From Here to the Cosmos: Incomputable Views of the Above, Under and Around"(1). Courtesy the designer
Excerpt of video "From Here to the Cosmos: Incomputable Views of the Above, Under and Around"(2). Courtesy the designer
Bio(s)

Guillemette Legrand is an artist and designer affiliated with the research group Reflective Interaction of the EnsadLab (FR) and IXDM (CH). Their practice explores machine-fictioning and other possible imaginations of computational logic and its visual culture.

Dr Marian Neagul is a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute eAustria Timișoara and West University Timișoara. His research topics cover machine learning, distributed systems, computer networks, operating systems, and Earth observation.

Credits
  • Alex Munteanu
  • Stephan Meißl of EOX IT Services GmbH for the cloudless mosaic of Timișoara
  • The Meteorological Office of Bucharest
  • Dr Delia Teleagă from Terrasigna
  • Products/Visuals obtained from ESA remote sensing data processed by Terrasigna within the project PN-III-P2-2.1-PTE-2021-0513. © TERRASIGNA 2023
  • Alex Ionașcu, visualisation and 3D rendering
  • Vincent Thornhill
  • Jim Zweerts