In physics, refraction refers to the change in direction and speed of a wave passing from one medium to another. Oceanic Refractions is based on these mechanics, where lines of thought—like rays of light—bend and speed up the deeper waters one enters.
In one iteration, Oceanic Refractions is a multisensory installation created to convey the testimonies of Indigenous Oceanic communities who are bearing witness to ecocide. In others, Oceanic Refractions is a facilitator of Pacific-based community workshops, an online publisher, library, and archiving platform conceptualised and designed to invite associative, oceanic thinking. Its relational curation and design share the words and stories of creators and artists living across the Pacific region, encouraging the formation of new constellations. As this platform expands over time, it will continue to develop as a transdisciplinary library of practices and approaches for listening and attending to saltwater ecosystems and their inhabitants.
Oceanic Refractions is AM Kanngieser, Mere Nailatikau, Laisiasa Dave Lavaki, Tumeli Tuqota, Joseph Kamaru, and Elise Misao Hunchuck. Website and installation design by Studio Folder.
