Forms of Intelligence
How can the intelligence of animals and plants inspire the design of new technologies and systems that benefit all living things?
The Forms of Intelligence launched in 2020, against a backdrop of global climate emergency and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Community activists, artists, and researchers, with specialisms in: spiders, trees, funghi, butterflies, soil, bees, dogs, birds, robotics and visual arts, were invited to participate in online and offline co-creation activities facilitated by Martha King (KWMC’s Arts Programme Manager at this time, now Creative Co-Director) and Nicole Foster (researcher at DCRC).
Participants received physical packages in the post, including magnifying glasses and binoculars. After connecting online, they paired up and set creative challenges for each other to explore “intelligence” from unfamiliar perspectives. For instance, birdwatchers delved into insect intelligence, while tree champions studied butterflies. These activities raised thought-provoking questions, such as: What does ‘success’ mean for a bird?
The group then joined together in collective sessions to consider the world from other species’ perspectives, imagining new systems designed to benefit all forms of life.
The insights from these explorations were transformed by artist Kaajal Modi into a beautifully illustrated set of inspiration cards for co-species care. They are designed to help us think differently, see from different perspectives, and deeply consider who or what is being impacted by our decisions.
Image credit: Alistair Campbell
podcast
As part of the project, we also created a series of podcast interviews with people from Knowle West, Bristol, Berlin, Kent, and Colombia. Knowle West resident and digital intern Tatiana Powell made the podcasts, recording them remotely through lockdown, supported by KWMC Producer Lewis Campbell.