Exhibition Invites Exploration of Chile’s Algae in Their Socioecological, Sensorial, and Poetic Dimensions

This exhibition project began in 2023 a as a result of the Algae Herbarium Digitization project carried out in 2023 by Fundación Mar Adentro (FMA), Archivo de Las Algas (ADLA), and the MNHN, that sought to conserve and digitize over 100 marine algae from Antarctica, the Juan Fernández Archipelago, Rapa Nui, and mainland Chile that  are part of the MNHN’s National Herbarium SGO, which houses a collection of 2,000 specimens. The project culminated in bringing this collection in dialogue with artistic processes by artists Nicholas Jackson, Elizabeth Burmann, and Rodrigo Ríos Zunino whose works invite us to explore algae through its forms, colors and sounds.

The exhibition comes to life through LaCápsula, a traveling exhibition device by FMA designed to share natural stories  of Chile’s biodiversity. Using narratives, sensory experiences, archives, imagery, flavors, memories, and sounds, LaCápsula bridges science, art, and archival practices. Its debut iteration, They Will Survive Storms, Centuries, and Dreams, showcases this unique interdisciplinary approach.

Maya Errázuriz, FMA’s Director of Art and Publications, highlights that this project’s central objetive was opening up this  biological collection to the public through a transdisciplinary lens, merging scientific, artistic, and experimental perspectives: “This exhibition has deepened our understanding of algae and revealed the invaluable work behind biological collections and the researchers dedicated to preserving this heritage.”. She adds, “Collaborations like these inspire us to bring artistic viewpoints to spaces that don’t typically host such proposals, broadening perspectives on diverse scientific topics. The world of algae is fascinating, but much remains to be discovered and protected in our country. We hope opening this collection to new audiences, as well as  the sensory work of each artist, will encourage closer and more sensitive interactions with algae.”

The MNHN’s algae archive dates back to 1911, with significant contributions by researcher and former museum director María Eliana Ramírez, who developed this collection. Her work is featured in the exhibition through an audiovisual piece created by Estudio Audiovisual de Arte (Rafael Guendelman and Andrés Lima). Ramírez emphasizes the ecological importance of algae, including oxygen production, nutrient formation, and carbon dioxide reduction. As a self-described “algologist,” she calls on younger generations to engage with this field. “Few scientists have studied algae. Advancements in biodiversity conservation  depend on the number of researchers dedicated to its research  and transmitting this  knowledge to young researchers, underscoring the importance of scientific collections,” she asserts.

MNHN Director Mario Castro celebrates the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to host this exhibition, the successful outcome of a joint effort between Fundación Mar Adentro and our institution.” He emphasizes that such partnerships not only elevate marine heritage and the museum’s century-old algae collection but also make this natural treasure accessible to visitors in innovative and engaging ways. “The MNHN has always encouraged the virtuous meeting of science and art, and this exhibition exemplifies that synergy. We are excited to present this fascinating experience to our visitors,” Castro concludes.

Javiera Gutiérrez, co-curator of the exhibition, strategic designer, and director of ADLA, notes the element of surprise within the proposal. “While our collective imagery of algae in Chile often conjures images of cochayuyo or luche, this exhibit reveals new textures and distinct characteristics,” she explains. The exhibition invites audiences to expand their understanding of algae, exploring their ecological, cultural, gastronomic, and nutritional significance. “Visitors will discover that algae are foundational beings in our trophic chains, holding immense ecological, cultural, and nutritional value,” Gutiérrez adds.

Featured Artworks

Visitors will not only explore digitized algae specimens and learn about the history of this collection but also appreciate the works of three artists who delve into algae’s sensory and ecological roles:

Elizabeth Burmann (CL, 1992): Burmann’s work explores the interplay between nature, industry, bodies, and the environment, intertwining socioecological knowledge with techniques like glass and metalwork. For LaCápsula, she will create an installation exploring algae’s diverse forms and compositions.

Nicholas Jackson (CL, 1983): Jackson’s artistic research examines the material relationship between algae and anthropogenic waste in the sea. For this project, he will develop a device highlighting the chromatic range of algae.

Rodrigo Ríos Zunino (CL, 1977): Inspired by feedback, transduction, transmission, ritualistic practices, migration, phenomenology, and perception, Ríos Zunino explores the impact of sound waves on algae, inviting audiences to speculate on possibilities of listening.

Outreach Activities

Throughout the exhibition, various activities will be held, including an intergenerational workshop on Saturday, August 10th, at 11:00 AM, open to participants ages six and older. The workshop aims to spark imagination about how algae experience reality through storytelling, sensory exploration, and envisioning their poetic and dreamlike manifestations. Participants will experience the world of macroalgae through movements sensitive to light, understand their ecological roles, and create new narratives of coexistence. Registration is available [HERE].

The exhibition will run from July 30th to October 6th in  Sala Domeyko at the MNHN. During its final weeks, it will coincide with the Festival de las Ciencias (FECI), making it one of the festival’s activities connecting art and science for the public in the Metropolitan Region (to be confirmed).