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STARTS4WATER II: OPEN CALL WINNING ARTISTS – BENEATH THE MIRROR WAVES
We are excited to introduce the winning artists of the STARTS4WATERII Open Call, for the second edition of the S+T+ARTS Residency Programme, which is dedicated to water sustainability and innovation at the nexus of Science, Technology, and the Arts. This time, the program specifically focuses on the environmental challenges of ports, port cities, coastal areas, and waterways.
We will host two residencies and selected artists will engage in a nine-month exploration and enhance collaborative artistic research, creation, and innovation with the Port of Koper and Marine Biology Station Piran. They will foster groundbreaking artistic and scientific investigations aimed at enhancing water sustainability and ecological balance.
Meet the selected artists and their projects tackling the Port of Koper’s ecological challenges.
BENEATH THE MIRROR WAVES
This project will address the pressing environmental issues facing the Bay of Koper, a vital port region with a complex interplay between global trade and ecological balance.
Introducing the artists and their research
The residency will be led by a dynamic team of Slovenian artists: Marko Vivoda, Luka Murovec, and Luka Frelih. Their collaborative project, Beneath the Mirror Waves, aims to enhance public understanding of marine ecosystems through a unique blend of artistic and scientific approaches.
Marko Vivoda is renowned for his research and development of biomaterials, focusing on utilizing local materials and waste to create sustainable and innovative artistic solutions. His expertise will be instrumental in developing new biomaterials for the project.
Luka Murovec combines architecture and art interventions to create meaningful public spaces. His work will involve designing an interactive sculpture that not only attracts public attention but also serves as a tool for environmental education.
Luka Frelih brings his skills in computer programming and technology to the project. His role will include integrating non-invasive biosensors into the sculpture to monitor and analyze marine life, providing valuable data for conservation efforts.
The challenge
The Bay of Koper, a key hub for international shipping, faces significant ecological challenges. The constant movement of seawater from shipping traffic and the discharge of ballast water introduced non-native species into the local marine environment. This disrupts the delicate balance of the bay’s underwater ecosystems, threatening the survival of native species. Additionally, the prevalent anthropocentric view of nature prioritizes human needs over ecological health, further compounding these issues. To address these challenges, it is crucial to rethink our approach to marine conservation and adopt practices that respect the rights and interests of all species.
About the project
Beneath the Mirror Waves will feature an interactive sculpture that engages the public and raises awareness about marine conservation. This artwork will incorporate innovative biomaterials and biosensors to study the behavior of native and invasive species, such as the native and Japanese oysters and the invasive blue crab. The data collected will offer new insights into water quality and aquatic life, promoting the use of non-invasive biomonitoring techniques.
Showcasing the results
The project aims to foster a deeper understanding of underwater ecosystems and encourage more sustainable practices in marine conservation. The final results will be showcased at the IZIS 2025 festival, highlighting the significant contributions of this interdisciplinary collaboration.
