Artistic research on plant communication and technological interfaces in the context of ecological transition
In 2022, María Castellanos and Alberto Valverde participated in Reimagine the Future Through Arts and Culture: Bold Storytelling, Social Change and the Environment, an event organised by Philea – Philanthropy Europe Association and the Princess of Asturias Foundation in Oviedo and Avilés. The event brought together representatives of European cultural foundations, artists and cultural professionals to reflect on the role of art and culture in addressing contemporary social and environmental challenges.
María Castellanos participated in the roundtable Down to the Earth with the Environment, dedicated to exploring the role of artistic and cultural practices in processes of ecological transition. During her contribution, she presented the research developed with Alberto Valverde on communication between plants and humans through sensors, data and technological interfaces, addressing the potential of art to generate new forms of perception and relationships with other organisms and the environment.
Moderated by artist Oriana Persico, the roundtable also brought together Maya Adams from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Marlén López from Laboratorio Biomimético, Arthur Steiner from Hivos, and Marco Zappalorto from Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary (TBA21). As part of the same event, Castellanos and Valverde also led a hands-on workshop on monitoring plant environments using sensors and a web platform specifically developed for the project.