Part of Messums Org’s Active Environmentalism programming, British sculptor Tessa Campbell Fraser brings an awe-inspiring exhibition centered around interspecies communication and environmental awareness. Showcasing three monumental sculptures of sperm whales, suspended in the historic setting of the tithe barn, the exhibition draws parallels between the building’s open timber roof and the industrial-scale whaling that decimated whale populations in the 19th century. Campbell Fraser’s sustainable approach incorporates recycled ghost netting, silk chiffon, latex, and eco-friendly paper, creating fluid, thought-provoking forms that explore mankind’s impact on nature.
The exhibition delves into Campbell Fraser's fascination with interspecies communication, inspired by her experience swimming with whales in Dominica and her research into Project CETI, which decodes whale coda-clicks. These clicks, used for communication, reveal different dialects and behaviors, leading scientists to believe that AI could help us fully understand whale language. Campbell Fraser integrates this science into her artwork, using haptic techniques to craft pieces that visualize these conversations, as well as collaborating with music technicians to allow viewers to engage with the whales through an immersive sound experience.
Her sculptures, ghostly in their transparency, evoke the urgent need to protect these creatures from the looming threat of climate change. Through her work, Campbell Fraser communicates a poignant message: if global warming continues unchecked, these majestic whales, who have long played a vital role in the ocean's ecological balance, could become mere ghosts of the deep.
The exhibition delves into Campbell Fraser's fascination with interspecies communication, inspired by her experience swimming with whales in Dominica and her research into Project CETI, which decodes whale coda-clicks. These clicks, used for communication, reveal different dialects and behaviors, leading scientists to believe that AI could help us fully understand whale language. Campbell Fraser integrates this science into her artwork, using haptic techniques to craft pieces that visualize these conversations, as well as collaborating with music technicians to allow viewers to engage with the whales through an immersive sound experience.
Her sculptures, ghostly in their transparency, evoke the urgent need to protect these creatures from the looming threat of climate change. Through her work, Campbell Fraser communicates a poignant message: if global warming continues unchecked, these majestic whales, who have long played a vital role in the ocean's ecological balance, could become mere ghosts of the deep.
