Art meets science at the Birch Aquarium, where the Embodied Pacific: Ocean Unseen exhibition makes waves. According to Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this unique exhibition, which launches on October 4, merges artistic expression with scientific inquiry, offering visitors an immersive experience right into the depths of oceanography and Indigenous science. This thought-provoking showcase is not just a display but an interactive voyage designed to both educate and engage.
Embodied Pacific aims to deeply involve guests directly in scientific exploration by featuring the collaborative efforts of eighteen artists across ten installations. Visitors are encouraged to touch, listen, and observe to participate actively in the scientific journey. One such installation, 'Archiving an Aquarium' by Hans Baumann and James Nisbet, uses archival footage and blueprints to create a virtual aquarium, tracing the technological evolution of the Birch Aquarium itself.
Embodied Pacific doesn’t shy away from blending unconventional mediums. From a 'Fish Phone Booth' that transforms ocean acoustics data into an audio and sensory experience to 'How to Look Into the Ocean,' a sculptural engagement with planktonic life, this exhibition is all about breaking the surface of traditional viewing to dive deeper into understanding the unseen aspects of the ocean.
The exhibition features Indigenous stories, like 'Our Worlds' by Catherine Eng and Kilma Lattin, which uses augmented reality to reveal immersive tales on the landscape. For art lovers, 'La Jolla Forest' displays the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems through cyanotype prints and Japanese fish printing. The exhibition aims to reveal the ocean’s secrets and immerse you in its vibrant, dynamic world.
The exhibition's reach extends beyond the aquarium's walls. Embodied Pacific features projects in six locations and involves more than 30 artists. This endeavor is part of the larger PST ART collaboration. PST ART electrifies the SoCal art scene every five years, featuring over 70 exhibitions and programs highlighting the region’s unique cultural identity.
