Down stream [appalachia]

Abstract

Down Stream [Appalachia] is an immersive, interactive art installation that addresses themes of ecological preservation, conservation and connectedness, illuminating the precarity of imperiled freshwater species in the Appalachian region. The exhibition is composed of three reflective, refractive sculptural forms; each form is made from stacked acrylic and mirrored surfaces projected on from within to create glowing objects that appear to float in the darkness. The installation is surrounded by spatialized sound consisting of music and field recorded audio. Each object contains video footage of a different imperiled animal native to southwest Virginia: the candy darter (Etheostoma osburni); the Cumberlandian combshell (Epioblasma brevidens) and other freshwater mussels; and the Eastern hellbender salamander (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis).