New Ecological Frontiers of Groningen

Created in collaboration with the Mondriaan Fonds and New Horizon Studio

In an age defined by the Anthropocene, where human activity has profoundly altered natural ecosystems, New Ecological Frontiers of Groningen seeks to foster a paradigm shift in how we understand and interact with the environment. This groundbreaking project merges art, technology, and environmental science to explore the entangled relationships between human and nonhuman life, emphasizing the need for interspecies collaboration in shaping shared ecosystems.

Groningen, with its rich history of agricultural innovation, water management, and industrial expansion, serves as a microcosm of humanity’s impact on the natural world. Its evolving landscape, shaped by debates over resource extraction, biodiversity loss, and climate adaptation, provides the ideal setting to reimagine ecological coexistence. The project positions Groningen’s ecology as a living, interconnected system, inviting participants to experience the region through nonhuman perspectives such as birds, insects, fungi, and plants.

At its core, the initiative employs cutting-edge technologies, including LiDAR mapping, Unreal Engine 5, and immersive soundscapes, to create an experiential, multi-species narrative. Through a combination of virtual reality and interactive storytelling, participants are immersed in dynamic ecosystems where they can explore the sensory realities of nonhuman actors. This approach challenges anthropocentric perceptions and amplifies the voices of nonhuman entities, advocating for their inclusion in environmental governance and land-use decisions.

Structured in two chapters, the project first introduces participants to a luminous, data-driven constellation of ecosystems, emphasizing their hidden interconnections. In the second chapter, this abstract representation evolves into an immersive, interactive environment where participants embody the perspectives of species like butterflies, ants, and birds. Through spatial audio, real-time environmental responses, and intuitive interactions, the project fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of biodiversity.

New Ecological Frontiers of Groningen aspires to catalyze dialogue and action on ecological justice, encouraging collective responsibility for preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems. By blending artistic innovation with scientific rigor, the project not only reveals the unseen complexities of nature but also invites communities, policymakers, and activists to reimagine their roles within it.