Jakob Kudsk Steensen

Advanced Technology (Advanced Technology)

The virtual reality work Aquaphobia by Jakob Kudsk Steensen examines it’s title subject matter – the fear of water. Inspired by psychology studies used to treat aquaphobia, the work employs VR technology to merge imagery of past and future geological landscapes, as well as external ecosystems with internal psychoscapes. Steensen mobilizes the visual exploration of the fear of water to transform viewer’s perceptions on water-related climate change, such as rising water levels.

Jakob Kudsk Steensen

Advanced Technology (Advanced Technology)

RE-ANIMATED by Jakob Kudsk Steensen revolves around the haunting sound of the Kauai’O’o, a bird that became extinct in the year of Steensen’s birth. Its mating call, recorded and circulated on YouTube, where it has attracted hundreds of thousands of views and thousands of comments from viewers who felt the need to share their own emotional connection with this creature. For Steensen, the video exemplifies the way in which digital media experiences can serve as a memorial for a disappearing natural world, and how they can activate deeply felt connections with nonhuman creatures.