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“The Breath of Soil: Memory Nexus” at WRO Biennale 2025
May 16 All day
Wrocław, Poland
Date: May 16, 2025
Location: Performing Arts Centre, Wrocław
Facilitator: Prof. Joanna Hoffmann
Assistant: Mateusz Janik
Overview
As part of the 21st WRO Media Art Biennale, themed Qualia, the workshop “The Breath of Soil: Memory Nexus” offered participants an immersive exploration into the intersections of human memory, olfactory perception, and soil ecology. Led by multimedia artist and researcher Prof. Joanna Hoffmann, the session was a component of the broader SPIN-FERT project under the Horizon Europe “Mission Soil” program, aiming to enhance soil fertility and promote sustainable horticultural practices.
Workshop Experience
Participants engaged in a sensory exercise by smelling specially prepared garden soil samples provided by SPIN-FERT scientists. They were then encouraged to document spontaneous memories, thoughts, or emotions elicited by the scents. These personal reflections were categorised into four thematic groups and compiled into a collective poem. This poem served as the conceptual foundation for designing a 3D model of an RNA molecule—a “memory molecule” representing the intricate relationship between human experiences and soil’s biological processes.
Artistic and Scientific Integration
The workshop blended art and science, translating ephemeral human memories into tangible RNA structures. These 3D-printed models (using bio-plastic) were intended to be integrated back into the soil, where they would naturally decompose, symbolising the cyclical nature of memory and ecological processes. This act served as both a metaphor and a literal contribution to the soil’s nutrient cycle, reinforcing the interconnectedness of human narratives and environmental health.
An interactive archive of the RNA structures and associated memories is accessible online, providing a digital extension of the workshop’s themes and allowing for continued engagement with the project’s concepts .
“The Breath of Soil: Memory Nexus” underscored the profound connections between sensory perception, personal memory, and ecological awareness. By engaging participants in a multisensory experience, the workshop fostered a deeper appreciation for the subtle dialogues between humans and the environment. It highlighted the potential of interdisciplinary approaches to address pressing environmental issues, such as soil degradation, by cultivating empathy and understanding through artistic expression
Further Information:
- Workshop Details: WRO Biennale 2025 – The Breath of Soil: Memory Nexus
https://wro2025.wrocenter.pl/en/the-breath-of-soil - Project Archive: Memory Nexus Archive https://artscience-node.com/memory-nexus-archive/
Art & Science Node: The Breath of Soil Project (https://artscience-node.com/memory-nexus/)
