The Bone (video edition)

The Bone is an interactive experience in virtual reality inside the skull of a wild salmon, where certain elements and narrations are to be discovered. Profoundly inspired by Dr. Martin Lee Mueller’s book "Being Salmon, Being Human", these narrations address ethical and ecological issues related to salmon farming, domestication and coexistence with this species, from a non-anthropocentric, eco-philosophical and indigenous perspective.

Located inside an intermediate world — between deep sea and universe; between present, future or past; between reality, dream or utopia — this skull is a sculptural/architectural construction. The experiencer discovers two otoliths that grow interactively, revealing details about this salmon’s life in the past, as well as reflections towards its cousins: the captive salmons. These reflections are presented as a voice-over from the wild salmon’s perspective; the owner of the skull, in a way of poetic flow of consciousness. The real and virtual space is welcomed by a Yoik sung by Sámi artist Ánde Somby, providing a unique echo and spatiality to this VR, which is physically installed inside an old fishing boat. The materiality of the real old wood sensually echoes the virtual skull, inviting the experiencers to a journey that departs from their position as fisher species, towards the poiesis of the fish’ life.

Currently, The Bone has been produced in English, Spanish and German languages. Norwegian and Sámi languages are under consideration.

This artwork has been commissioned by Screen City Biennial, co-produced by Art Republic, OCEANS21 and Interactive Media Foundation; co-created with Artificial Rome.

The Bone has been funded by Fondos Cultura Convocatoria 2020 – Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, Chile and Arts Council Norway.

The Bone has been kindly supported by Goethe Institut Norway and Chile.