Ecologies of Memories, Drenthe

This version of Ecologies of Memories is a special adaptation for the Noorderlicht Biënnale, this version of Ecologies of Memories introduces a new spatial configuration and includes eleven native species found in the province of Drenthe.

Ecologies of Memories explores the impact of Shifting Baseline Syndrome (SBS) on our collective natural history awareness, with our knowledge of the richness of nature slowly disappearing. Each new generation lacks an understanding of how different and often richer nature was during the childhood of their parents or grandparents, as a result accepting a deteriorating natural world as normal.

The phenomenon of the Shifting Baseline Syndrome refers to the tendency for each person and/or generation to consider the state of the natural environment during their time as the norm. Subsequent generations, or individuals, emulate this behaviour. As a result, changes, often in the form of deterioration of the natural environment, largely go unnoticed and do not become part of the collective consciousness.

Without knowledge of past environmental conditions, people may not fully appreciate the extent of change that has occurred over time. Without a longitudinal and historical perspective, ecosystem transformations can easily go unnoticed.

In this immersive video installation, viewers encounter a recreated landscape of the province of Drenthe where the ecological narrative unfolds through image morphing and interpolation. Using AI and long-term data, Ecologies of Memories bridges contemporary realities with historical contexts. Through data-driven visualisations and speculative depictions, the video wall confronts visitors with shifts and changes in our natural environment.

By delving into past gaps in our environmental awareness caused by SBS, Ecologies of Memories explores intergenerational perceptions of change. It seeks to deepen our understanding of environmental history and catalyse collective remembrance.