S+T+ARTS4Water II Challenge and STARTS Residency
Hypercomf -Sediment Lab
Host / Region
PiNA / Koper, Slovenia
Abstract
This challenge focuses on exploring the potential reuse of marine sediment, minimizing the ecological impact, and considering the dynamic marine habitats affected by navigation, resuspension, and dredging activities.
Keywords
marine sediment, nature’s services, interspecies justice Koper Bay, intermedia art
Description of the regional challenge
The Port of Koper, the only port in Slovenia and the largest port in the Koper Bay and the northern Adriatic, and the dynamic marine habitats within the port are continuously affected by navigation and dredging activities. The challenges related to the management of marine sediment resulting from the dredging and deepening of basins and fairways are recognised in the National Maritime Spatial Plan (MSP). Innovative solutions are being sought, including test transfer of marine sediment using new technologies, for which the company is obtaining necessary permits.
How is the mission S+T+ARTS driven?
The residency offers artists the opportunity to explore the themes of seawater and sustainability in the port alongside marine science. The programme is designed to encourage artists to explore the practical applications of marine sediment and incorporate the potential reuse of the material to create valuable works that raise awareness of these issues. It is expected that the final results of the residency will make an important contribution to the discourse on environmental protection and sustainable port operations.
The result of the residency will be shown at the IZIS 2025, an annual contemporary art international festival produced by S+T+ARTS partner PiNA.
Artist-in-residency – Hypercomf
Hypercomf is a multidisciplinary, speculative design identity from Greece. Hypercomf’s practice fosters interdisciplinary collaborations and community engagement methods of production, often including a range of biodiverse participants. These processes are manifested as space activations, multimedia artworks, and sustainable design prototypes, structured around dynamic narratives that feature both organic and inorganic protagonists.
About The Project – Sediment Lab
Sediment Lab transforms sediment into functional art pieces, furniture, pottery, and sculptures via public workshops. Inspired by the nests and burrows of marine sediment-dwelling organisms, participants will use casting techniques to create unique designs. The lab workstation itself will be made of marine sediment composite material, educating visitors on marine sediment ecosystems. Collaborative synergies with fishermen, locals, Port of Koper, and NIB-MBS will guide the creation of prototypes.
Jury Statement
“Hypercomf’s project creatively and effectively repurposes marine sediment from the Gulf of Koper. This innovative approach addresses environmental issues while involving the community through workshops, raising awareness about the importance of dredging waterways. Their detailed proposal, which includes collaboration with scientists, artists, and local community members, impressed the Jury with its potential to address urgent local issues comprehensively. The project stood out for its unique combination of artistic innovation and community engagement. It also aligns well with PiNA’s focus on collaborative citizen science, participation, and educational innovation, highlighting its potential for significant community impact. The Jury recognized the exceptional nature of Hypercomf’s proposal, confirming it as a deserving winner.”
