“Invasion denotes crossing a boundary or border – of doing something untoward. For example, we tend to see viruses as foreign agents that come into us uninvited. Still, their relationship with our bodies is more complex and, in some ways, comparable to our relationship with the planet. I explored this idea by drawing on the Tetrapygus Niger, an invasive sea urchin that was unintentionally introduced to the coast of South Africa. This species is a voracious kelp grazer capable of converting healthy underwater kelp forests to barren landscapes. Visually, I found their appearance to be uncannily similar to that of the HIV virus. Constructed from invasive trees (Eucalyptus, Acacia, Poplar), these mutant pieces were meant to be difficult, painful objects that resist touch.”
– Ernst van der Wal

Participants in the Uncertain Entanglements colloquium convened by Kathryn Smith, Leora Farber and Christo Doherty reflect on the role of art and science interactions in their respective practices at Three Bones Residency, Cape Town.