by Bradley M. Ford / Gallerist
In an era defined by pressing environmental concerns, artists are increasingly stepping into the roles of ecological advocates, leveraging scientific tools and innovative media to bridge the gap between human perception and the intricate realities of the natural world. This movement, where art, science, and nature converge, is beautifully exemplified by projects like New York-based new media artist Jessica Reisch‘s “The Lake Erie Listening Project,” which promises to transport audiences into the unseen, unheard depths of one of North America’s vital Great Lakes.
Launching in Erie, PA, “The Lake Erie Listening Project” is more than just an art installation; it’s an auditory expedition. Developed during Reisch’s OPENFEED residency with FEED Media Art Center, this initiative utilizes hydrophone technology to capture the subtle, complex soundscapes of Lake Erie’s underwater ecosystems. Paired with compelling footage and imagery, the project roots these sounds in their precise time and place, offering an intimate, auditory journey into the lake’s depths.
Visitors to the installation will encounter immersive footage of the lake’s surface projected over a sculptural row boat created by Reisch’s collaborator, Austin Clay Willis. The boat serves as a listening vessel for viewers to enter into, acting as a grounding physical presence in the space. Willis remade the rescued, weathered boat by replacing damaged pieces and making modifications for the needs of the installation. The boat’s accumulation of varied materials and hardware is indicative of Willis’ larger practice, which foregrounds the fabrication process itself. His sculptures place emphasis on their own construction through the use of visible fasteners and purposefully “unfinished” sections.
As Reisch articulates, “Lake Erie harbors a vibrant, unseen world beneath its surface, and much of its life remains unheard by the human ear. Through this project, I aim to use hydrophone technology to capture the sonic tapestry of the lake’s aquatic environment. By pairing these sounds with contextual visuals, we hope to create a powerful and immersive experience that truly connects people to the incredible biodiversity and delicate balance of Lake Erie.”
Reisch’s interdisciplinary background, holding an MFA in Computer Arts and a BA in Education Studies, underpins her ability to blend artistic expression with scientific inquiry and environmental education. Her work has received international recognition by SIGGRAPH, a global nonprofit organization serving the evolution of computer graphics and interactive techniques. Jessica’s work often employs sensitive microphones, transducer speakers, and projections to create immersive installations that engage with the environment on a profound, often overlooked level.
Collaborating with Erie, PA local partners the Bayfront Maritime Center and Project NePWTNE, “The Lake Erie Listening Project” stands as a testament to community-driven environmental stewardship. Dr. Sam Mason, director of Gannon University’s Project NePWTNE, eloquently summarizes the project’s essence: “Nature is talking to us; are we listening?” Jessica Reisch’s work will encourage us to listen to Erie’s greatest asset, our Great Lake.
FEED’s Gallerist, Brad Ford stated that “This fusion of art and science to illuminate environmental narratives is a growing global trend. Artists worldwide are exploring innovative methods to highlight ecological issues, often moving beyond traditional mediums to incorporate data, technology, and direct engagement with natural processes.”
For instance, the recent “Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice” exhibition at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles (early 2025) features over 20 artists addressing climate and social justice through various media, including sound and immersive installations. Similarly, initiatives like the Museum for the United Nations – UN Live
UN Live’s “Sounds Right” project encourages musicians to incorporate natural sounds into their tracks, generating royalties for nature conservation, demonstrating the power of sonic art to directly contribute to environmental causes.
From artists like Refik Anadol using AI to create “large nature models” from vast datasets of natural sounds, images, and climate measures, to the “Sound Scene 2025: Connected” festival showcasing interactive sound and multisensory art that explores our relationship with our environment, there’s a clear momentum.
These projects underscore a critical realization: scientific data, and ecological protest such as paint throwing on classic artwork, often fails to evoke the emotional resonance needed to propagate action. This is where art intervenes, translating complex ecological information into experiences that are felt, seen, and heard, fostering empathy and a deeper sense of connection.”
The connection between art, science, and nature is complex. Science provides the analytical framework and the undeniable evidence of environmental change. Nature, in all its complexity, offers inspiration and connection. Art, then, acts as the vehicle, transforming raw data and observations into compelling narratives and immersive experiences that can shift perspectives and inspire stewardship.
By encouraging us to “listen” more closely, as Jessica Reisch’s project aims to do, these artists are not just creating beauty; they are cultivating a profound understanding and fostering a collective responsibility for the planet’s delicate ecological balance. “The Lake Erie Listening Project” is more than an exhibition; it’s an invitation to engage with our world on a new sensory level, reminding us that to protect what we love, we must first truly know it – and sometimes, simply listen.
