HYDROECOLOGIES,UNSEEN
How do we see the unseen?
The HydroEcologies series explores the hidden story of relationships between groundwater and human impact on climate along the Front Range Urban Corridor. Data from selected wells is transformed into a visual narrative using locally sourced materials to address the ongoing drought crisis in the area. We leave traces of our impact on the surrounding world that becomes a part of the unseen story of water. From November 2022- May 2023 I worked closely with Suzanne Anderson, Ph.D., USGS, and local communities to reveal the hidden narrative of groundwater- its history, data collection, and its relationship with local communities, and potential future through creating a series of activated light sculptures.
The resulting sculptural work provides a complex narrative of the water reservoir hidden beneath our feet. For more information, see https://www.usgs.gov/publications/ground-water-and-surface-water-a-single-resource.
The project is aimed to bring awareness to the drought issue, data collection of the wells, and its accessibility to the general public. The project invites participants to contribute by sharing insight on groundwater (usage, distribution, information and data availability, and other issues ). Darya has traveled to 5 locations and done talks and geolocation walks with different communities to hear the stories and record them via a collective drawing.
In collaboration with Susan Anderson, Ph.D. Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado, Boulder.
Mike Clark, USGS, Waterdata Support, William Andrews and Katharine Dahm, USGS, Denver, Waterdata support, Kirk Weiss, USAFA Well monitoring, David Jadric, data processing support.
Community Engagement and Collaborative Artwork Creation: MSU Environmental Art class with Prof. Natascha Seideneck( for Denver) BloBack Gallery (for Pueblo), CU Denver Bioart Class Department of Architecture and Wild Futures Labs with Prof. Assia Crowford (for Denver) Air Force Academy cadets and faculty (for Castle Rock), Boulder County Arts Alliance and Dairy Art Center (Boulder, Manitou Arts Center( for Colorado Springs)
The project was funded through The Office for Outreach and Engagement Colorado Art Science Environment (CASE) Fellows program, as the latest incarnation of the office’s work to connect the arts, sciences, and community for shared action on Colorado’s interrelated social and environmental issues.
CASE Fellows are artists from all corners of Colorado and CU Boulder scientists who will work in teams to produce artworks that will be exhibited at the Colorado State Capitol as part of the Colorado Creative Industries Creative Capital program, May-September 2023 (opening date May 19, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m). The exhibition, Coloradans and Our Shared Environment in Times of Challenge and Change will tell the story of how Coloradans are experiencing interrelated challenges of fire, drought, and water and air quality in their communities. The CASE Fellows aim to build a sense of connection around Colorado environmental issues by co-ideating artwork with input from communities.
For more info please visit https://chttps://casefellows.buffscreate.net/asefellows.buffscreate.net/unseen-hydroecologies-of-the-front-range-urban-corridor/