Author:
Valdek Laur

"Lifesaver" installation. Animals and birds

Animals move. They are not tied to their living space and that is why the relationship with the constantly changing environmental conditions and other creatures living there is important for animals. Therefore, over time, animals have developed social skills that allow them to live in harmony with their own kind, as well as react quickly to external factors that threaten them.

The animal kingdom is extremely diverse and they are able to live in almost all environments on Earth. Moving away from a habitat that is not suitable for them is much easier for animals than for plants or fungi.

Because of the environment that requires constant reaction, animals have developed a complex nervous system that allows them to sense their surroundings as well as react to them quickly. It is also the neural network with its constantly increasing complexity that allows us humans to perceive the world as we do.

Our perception of the world relies on our brain which has become increasingly capable layer after layer and contains all the same neurological circuits that are present in animals with a less developed nervous system. Our reactions to the outside world and to various social situations are often instinctive neurological impulses rather than decisions arising from free will and self-awareness.

 
CODE

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Inimene_kood

If you want to create your own genetic music, you can use the free software Sonic Pi and the available download code here. You can adjust various parameters and instruments to alter the sounds.

LOCATION

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inimene_kaart.jpg


The purpose of "Lifesaver" is to open an important field in modern science – genetics – in the symbiosis of art and science. By now, this branch of science has achieved great significance internationally, since it is connected to various fields of science and life, such as personal medicine, archaeology and mental health. In Estonia, the knowledge of genetics in society has increased thanks to the work of the University of Tartu's Estonian Biobank, which has been joined by one-fifth of the adult population of Estonia.

The artist of the 'Lifesaver' project is Valdek Laur, who works in the field of digital media and jewellery and metal art and is interested in scientific communication and the visualisation of complex concepts and data sets.

The „Lifesaver" installation is part of the project 'Toomemägi Revisited' within the main programme of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024, bringing the historical heart of Tartu to life with the help of light, culture and science. The project is supported by SA Tartu 2024 and the Estonian Research Council.

More information: "Lifesaver" installation