Endangered Order

Interactive Installation | 2023

The inspiration for “The Endangered Order” installation is drawn from a combinatorial optimization algorithm that mirrors the intelligence of a hybrid swarm of fireflies. The installation aims to bring attention to the vulnerability of non-human species in the Anthropocene era, specifically highlighting the endangerment faced by fireflies. Traditionally considered indicators of a healthy natural environment, fireflies confront their own threats, particularly from the expansion of urban spaces and resulting light pollution that diminishes the brilliance of their light pulses, disrupting their natural order.

Within the context of the “Endangered Order” installation, fireflies are depicted as ethereal, plant-like entities stripped of their cellular identity through the decellularization process. In this representation, they serve as biological remnants, symbolizing the decline of the natural world. The installation serves as a commentary on the impact of human activities on the delicate balance of ecosystems and the endangerment of species that are integral to the health of our environment.

Credits: programming: Cristian Balas | photo: Cătălin Georgescu