Esther van der Heijden & Nosh Neneh
Living Monuments of the Deep
With a shared fascination and concern for ecology and the ocean Esther van der Heijden and Nosh Neneh have been collaborating since 2021 on Living Monuments of The Deep. In the video installation, absurd and hybrid creatures transcend divisions between humans and animals, inviting us to re-evaluate our connection with species on the edge of extinction. Through sculptural and monumental costumes, the project pays homage to endangered oceanic species facing diverse threats to their existence. These creatures - marked as endangered on the IUCN Red List - play key roles in the ocean’s chemistry and ecosystems, which emphasises the urgency of their preservation.
Esther van der Heijden is a multimedia artist and artistic researcher focusing on the ecological impacts of our changing climate on the ocean, seas and other bodies of water. Her projects often explore specific aquatic species and ecosystems, and their ability to adapt to a changing environment. Her practice is research based and consists of filmmaking, costume design, and ceramic- and textile sculptures. These expressions merge within multimedia installations and layered video worlds.
Nosh Neneh is a visual artist and researcher who works at the intersection of ecology, art and activism. Over the past couple of years, Neneh has been actively researching coral ecosystems and the plight of endangered sea creatures. In her work, Neneh experiments with a variety of materials, including fabrics made from bacteria, algae, and plants. These materials not only offer new possibilities for displaying her photography, but also serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things.
Credits:
Created with funding from VEVAM