Guillemette Legrand and Marian Neagul
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.
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. © TERRASIG-NA 2023
Alex Ionașcu (visualisation and 3D rendering)
Vincent Thornhill
Jim Zweerts