Pollinator Pathmaker: A Fusion of Art, Algorithm, and Ecological Restoration in Berlin
In 2023, a significant ecological art project, the Pollinator Pathmaker, was launched in front of Berlin's Natural History Museum. This unique initiative, partly commissioned by the LAS Art Foundation, has since flourished, cultivating a vibrant display of asters and diverse plant life each year. The project, conceived by artist Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg, employs an advanced algorithm to curate local plant species, specifically chosen to rejuvenate the region's dwindling pollinator populations. Originating from the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, this concept has expanded globally, with large-scale installations at London's Serpentine and accessible 'DIY editions' that allow public participation in creating pollinator-friendly spaces.
Sophie Korschildgen, curator for the LAS Art Foundation, highlights the foundational principle of Pollinator Pathmaker, stating that while these creations may resemble gardens, Ginsberg consistently refers to them as 'editions and artworks.' This classification challenges conventional perceptions of art by extending the inherent value and cultural significance often attributed to human artistic endeavors to the natural world. In a dialogue with designboom, Korschildgen and Ginsberg elaborated on the journey of realizing Pollinator Pathmaker's inaugural international commission, its progressive development, and its measurable impact on wild bee communities.
At the heart of Ginsberg's vision is a profound inquiry: "What if art was created for other species, not just for us?" This question forms the bedrock of the project, inviting visitors to its website, pollinator.art, to contemplate a garden designed from a pollinator's perspective. The platform offers a digital interface where users can tailor garden parameters such as location and size, enabling the algorithm to generate plant compositions that prioritize insect needs over human aesthetic preferences. The curated 'Plant Palette' features local species meticulously selected with input from horticultural and pollinator experts to maximize their attractiveness to beneficial insects. With each new commission, region-specific plant palettes are introduced on pollinator.art, fostering a distributed living artwork that has spread across Europe and into the United States, engaging museums, community groups, and individuals alike. Beyond living installations, the project has diversified into print, tapestry, and video mediums.
Korschildgen further detailed the LAS Art Foundation's pivotal role, explaining their early engagement with Pollinator Pathmaker even before its debut at the Eden Project. As the initial international commissioner and partner, LAS adapted the project for Berlin, specifically tailoring it to the continental biogeographic nuances distinct from the UK. The foundation collaborated with the Natural History Museum, aligning with LAS's ongoing research into interspecies futures and the intersection of technology with human-nature relationships. Ginsberg's project beautifully embodies this ethos, leveraging computational technology to benefit the natural world, positioning humans as stewards of these intricate ecosystems rather than their sole beneficiaries. The tangible success of these efforts is underscored by scientific studies, including one at the Eden Project and another conducted by LAS in Berlin. Researchers observed an astounding 83 different wild bee species at the Berlin site, significantly surpassing the average of 30 to 50 species typically found in urban 'pollinator-friendly' areas. This robust biodiversity serves as a vital indicator of ecological health, affirming Ginsberg's core tenet: challenging anthropocentric design to foster environments where all species can thrive.