Marco Barotti & Robertina Šebjanič
Robertina Šebjanič, https://robertina.net is an artist/researcher whose work explores the biological, (geo)political, and cultural realities of aquatic environments and the impact of humanity on other organisms. In her analysis of the Anthropocene and its theoretical framework, the artist uses the terms “aquatocene” and “aquaforming” to refer to the human impact on
aquatic environments. Her work has been awarded at the Prix Ars Electronica, S+T+ARTS, Prize, Falling Walls, Re:Humanism and received grants: UCLA PST. art, Emap / Emare (Ars Electronica), S+T+ARTS, MADE IN platform and many more.
Marco Barotti www.marcobarotti.com is an internationally awarded media artist exploring the interplay of sound, technology, and the environment. His kinetic sound sculptures, crafted from audio technology, consumer objects, and waste, create a fictional “tech ecosystem” resembling animals and plants. These works highlight the Anthropocene’s cultural and ecological realities, raising awareness of humanity’s impact on the planet.
Barotti has been awarded the NTU Global Digital Art Prize, the Tesla Award, and the Delux Colour Award, and has received grants from S+T+ARTS, Stiftung Kunstfonds, Emap / Emare, BBK, Music Board Berlin, Zer01ne Creators project, Seoul (2022) and many more.
https://www.instagram.com/marcobarotti/
https://www.instagram.com/robertina.sebjanic
Fossilized Futures
The immersive installation invites the audience to explore its story through an audiovisual experience, where the digital artwork merges with physical kinetic sculptures, transcending the poetic and scientific themes of ancient ecosystems, contemporary landscapes, and speculative futures. A multichannel soundscape weaves together audio recordings of rivers, forests, and the city, blending sonified river data with the ethereal voices of the Namur chamber choir.
This digital opera is a unique collaboration between artists and AI algorithms, trained with a rich tapestry of scientific data, natural and cultural heritage, river histories, mythology, and quantum biology.
This fusion invites the audience to reflect on the interconnectedness of time, ecosystems, and human narratives in an evocative and thought-provoking way.
Credits:
Fossilized futures by Marco Barotti and Robertina Šebjanič
Artist (video, audio, text, objects): Marco Barotti and Robertina Šebjanič
Video support in AI,3D: Tanja Minarik and Riccardo Torresi
Vocal arrangements / vocal partiture: Franz Anderegg
Singers: Pierre Derhet, Aline Ferber, Mathilde Sevrin
A Production KIKK asbl, as part of Co-Vision, a Creative Europe project co-funded by the European-Union 2024 – 2026
In collaboration with the Cav&ma, Chœur de Chambre de Namur.
Curator: Marie du Chastel
Production manager : Marie de Ganay
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The artists would like to especially thank Dr. Valérie Cornet, Carolin Mayer and the researchers and team at UNamur for their invaluable support with the research that informed the project; Vincent Bordignon for his assistance during the recordings; the KIKK, Trakk and Le Pavillon’s teams and everyone who contributed with their discreet yet essential help. They also wish to thank their oracle, Strudiella devonica, and the rivers Meuse and Sambre.
