Dispatches from the field

Biomes, such as forests, marine environments, grasslands and deserts are large geographic areas characterised by certain types of plants, animals, and climatic conditions. They are defined by environmental factors such as temperature, precipitation, soil type, and vegetation and are home to species that are uniquely adapted to these conditions. In this edition of the exhibit »Dispatches from the field« scientist and artist Vivek Hari Sridhar focuses on the often neglected grasslands biomes, highlighting their crucial role in India’s ecosystem. Despite their significance, grasslands in India face conservation challenges due to historical misclassification and contemporary economic and policy issues. Sridhar collaborates with sound artist and composer Eduardo Noya Schreus to present an audiovisual exhibit featuring hand-printed photographs and a sonification of scientific data. The exhibit highlights the diverse species that inhabit these grasslands and translates some of their movements into music, offering a unique insight into the vitality and richness of this biome.

This event was part of the »Field Trip«, a transdisciplinary residency program between Akademie Schloss Solitude and the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior.

Video Credit: Angela Albi