Buffalo Arts Studio presents “Aquadisia” by Stephanie Rothenberg, a multimedia science fiction project that focuses on the desire to be more sustainable and explores the ethical and economic contradictions of biotechnology within the fields of marine science and environmental conservation. This exhibition is a part of “Waterfront View,” a series of exhibitions, workshops, and panel conversations that examines how late-stage capitalism has shifted the view of water and waterways from a resource of collective benefit to a commodity of individual interest and shareholder profit. 

“Aquadisia” is on display September 27–November 9, 2024, with an opening reception on Friday, September 27, 5:00–8:00 pm. 

“Aquadisia” engages science fiction and speculative design to reimagine the myth of the oyster as an aphrodisiac. The multimedia installation immerses the viewer in a techno-utopian narrative where a new breed of oyster converts toxic water into a drinkable “cure-all” promising to solve our environmental problems. Aquadisia Water™ becomes the lubricant for a new kind of public eco-machine, creating more mutually symbiotic relationships between humans and nonhumans.

Moving between reality and fantasy, “Aquadisia” aims to make visible contradictions confronting the impact of eco-capitalism on bodies of water. In questioning human action and the ethical and economic dimensions of our solutions, “Aquadisia” hopes to provide a space for envisioning alternative multispecies future-making. 

Stephanie Rothenberg has exhibited internationally in venues and festivals including ISEA (international), Eyebeam Art and Technology Center (US), Sundance Film Festival (US), Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art / MASS MoCA (US), House of Electronic Arts / HeK (CH), LABoral (ES), Transmediale (DE), and ZKM Center for Art & Media (DE). She is Professor and Chair in the Department of Art at University at Buffalo, SUNY. 

For more information about Buffalo Arts Studio, please visit www.buffaloartsstudio.org