As humans, we perceive our surroundings not only through our bodies but also through tools and interfaces that expand our perception. Ways of Sensing invites us to explore non-human modes of sensing—both technological and ecological—while examining the interactions between different beings.
Enter a techno-ecological landscape inhabited by alien species that function as machines, shaped by natural forces. In the work of Sunjoo Lee and Ko de Beer, wind and bird migration data animate wind harps shaped like large eggs, while the beehive-like sound work by Stef Veldhuis makes the electric signals by bees audible. In Adam Centko‘s virtual simulation, a natural environment is perpetually constructed and deconstructed by human interference and the overheating of computers.
Adam Centko
Adam is a lens-based artist who observes the intricate workings of our ecosystem. Rather than viewing technology and nature as opposing forces, he sees human inventions as extensions of the natural world. Through mediums like video and 3D animation, he highlights these interconnected relationships.
Garden of Aether (2022)
Garden of Aether is a real-time simulation in which non-playable characters autonomously interact with the digital environment. Each brief generation builds a new sculpture in a sonic and visual landscape, consuming computational resources and heating the system. As pollution rises, they rush to the fire exit—only to be replaced, repeating the cycle.
Commissioned by Slagwerk Den Haag, Lead Developer: Eusebi Jucglà, Sound: Frank Wienk, Production: David Veneman, Typeface: Celine Hurka, 3D assets assistance: Samuel Rynearson, Installation assistance: Jakov Habjan
Sunjoo Lee
Sunjoo Lee is an interdisciplinary artist who works in the crossover between art, technology, and ecology. She collaborates with ecologists and technicians, intrigued by the diverse ways electronics and digital tools are used beyond human interests. In her recent projects, she has explored the lifespans of trees, biomimicry systems, and the tracking of migrating birds.
Ko de Beer
Ko de Beer is a self-taught electronics wizard and music performer who makes, programs, and performs with synthesizers and robots. He enjoys repairing electronics and circuit-bending toys to create custom musical instruments. His interests include cybernetics and permacomputing. Ko has vast knowledge of BEAM robots and analog modular synthesizers.
Aeolian Eggs (2021)
Aeolian Eggs is a sound installation composed of three wind harps, fans, and a computer with a custom algorithm. The harps and fans move according to data from a migrating honey buzzard—terrain height, air temperature, altitude, speed, and wind conditions—as it travels from Liberia to the Veluwe.
Collaboration with Ko de Beer and 12 student participants of Spacemakers program. Commissioned and co-produced by STRP.
Stef Veldhuis
Stef Veldhuis is an interdisciplinary artist working at the intersection of art and science, exploring collaborative relationships between human and more-than-human intelligences and phenomena. Through the use of technology, Veldhuis creates works that harness the creative force of various more-than-human agents, allowing their contingent behaviors to enliven the work throughout its exhibition.
High Voltage Waggle Dance (2022/2023)
This 12-minute sound work uses very low frequency (VLF) radio recordings to encourage sensory attunement to visible and invisible energy ecosystems. Captured during an artist’s residency in 2022 in Gornji Grad, Slovenia, it features lightning crackles, signals of bees interacting with receiver’s antennas, and electro-communication within the hives tended by local Slovenian beekeepers.
Curated by Marijn Bril and presented by iii with financial support from Creative Industries Fund NL and The Municipality of The Hague.