The (Im)possibility of Communicating with Other Species

Abstract

The Institute for Relocation of Biodiversity (IRB) is an artistic research agency that speculates on possible multispecies futures. IRB conducts trans-disciplinary "field work" that reflects on interspecies relations, questions the intentionality of evolution and speculates on the (im)possibility of intra-and inter-species communication. Rather than showing solutions, it addresses the complexity of the systems that are at stake. It departs from both the climate crisis and the loss of biodiversity and habitat. Inspired by the scientific discourse on facilitated adaptation or managed relocation, the IRB investigates endangered species and provides them with relocation tutorials, e.g. video tutorials. The artistic process includes the selection of an endangered species (fauna, flora, microbial). Then, research of its habitat, living conditions and the mesh of relations is conducted. A relocation tutorial is produced and presented as experimental performance to the audience - being the selected animal or plant - with humans being invited to observe this scenery. The aim is to encourage relocation to a more life sustaining habitat as a poetic contribution to possible new narratives for the future of planet Earth. In the article we describe/contempate/ one performance conducted for Pinna nobilis, the great pen shell, endemic to the Mediterranean Sea and the possible effects this intervention might have on the animal.