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STARTS4WATER II: OPEN CALL WINNING ARTISTS – SEDIMENT LAB
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.
SEDIMENT LAB
This project will explore the creative reuse of marine sediment from the Port of Koper, addressing critical environmental and ecological challenges while engaging the local community.
Introducing the artists and their research
Hypercomf is a multidisciplinary design collective based in Greece, known for their speculative and collaborative approach to art and design. Their practice integrates a wide range of participants, including both organic and inorganic elements, to create multimedia artworks and sustainable design prototypes. Hypercomf’s work often focuses on community engagement and environmental sustainability, making them a perfect fit for this residency.
The challenge
The Port of Koper, Slovenia’s only major port and the largest in the northern Adriatic, faces significant environmental challenges due to ongoing navigation and dredging activities. These processes generate substantial amounts of marine sediment, which can impact the dynamic marine habitats within the port area. The National Maritime Spatial Plan recognizes the need for innovative solutions to manage and repurpose this sediment, including the potential for new technologies and methods. The challenge lies in minimizing the ecological impact of these activities and finding sustainable ways to manage and reuse marine sediment.
About the project
Sediment Lab aims to transform marine sediment into functional art pieces, furniture, pottery, and sculptures through a series of public workshops. Drawing inspiration from the nests and burrows of marine sediment-dwelling organisms, Hypercomf will use casting techniques to create unique designs that highlight the aesthetic and practical potential of marine sediment. The workshop space itself will be constructed from marine sediment composite material, serving as both an educational tool and a functional element of the project.
The residency will involve collaborative efforts with local fishermen, residents, the Port of Koper, and the National Institute of Biology’s Marine Biology Station (NIB-MBS). These partnerships will help guide the development of prototypes and foster community involvement in the creative process. The project aims to raise awareness about marine sediment ecosystems and the importance of sustainable dredging practices, while also contributing valuable insights into the reuse of marine sediment.
Showcasing the results
The outcomes of Sediment Lab will be featured at the IZIS 2025 festival. This exhibition will showcase how Hypercomf’s innovative approach to marine sediment not only addresses environmental concerns but also engages and educates the public through interactive and functional art.
