Emma Richey - Rising Waters

Studio Lemercier’s Rising Waters in the Torggler features two main bodies of work that are plotter drawings that encompass the phenomenon of the sea level rise caused by climate change. The drawing machine that is featured at the center of the gallery is controlled by computers that were programmed by Joanie Lemercier and Juliette Bibasse—the artists themselves. The machine’s pen carefully traces lines over the paper, which eventually create intricate oceanic forms. Over the course of this exhibit, ninety-seven drawings will be made, exemplifying the relationship of human-and-machine interaction with the rising sea levels.

The first body of work, Océans possibles, are detailed plotter drawings depicting individual waves. Some of these drawings have taken twenty plus hours to complete; this fact is unsurprising with how intricate these wave forms are! The pieces are a blend of real photographs and digital interpretations, creating an ultrarealistic image of waves. From a distance, these drawings seem photographic, but up close, the black background complements the white dots in order to portray a realistic illusion. Seeing this part of the gallery in person truly put me in a state of awe. The level of detail and attention that a computer and pen could create made me realize how important STEM is in the field of art—especially as a math major who has never considered incorporating art into my studies. 

The other body of work, Transgressions marines, is a collection of fifteen drawings of US cities experiencing climate-caused sea level rise, including Norfolk. Seeing big cities such as San Diego, Houston, and Baltimore being drawn really showcases the issue of our seas. The pen delicately details the roads, neighborhoods, communities all within the land area of these cities, but the stark blue water highlights the true impact that rising sea levels has on US citizens.

Since we’ve recently talked about nature in class—especially going to the Lion’s Bridge—my senses of the natural world have been heightened. Caring about our wildlife is so important, and these rising waters have threatened life for animals and even ourselves.