#14 Valency : Participants : WHABBstudio

'Undertow' is a data visualisation of how chemical pollutants in London’s rivers changed over the pandemic. The work explores how the river can be used as a forensic analysis on the urban population's health & well being. It draws attention to the interconnected relationship between nature and people, illustrating how the natural environment can be a living record of the urban population. 

'Undertow' uses generative visualisation to form an experiential way of viewing data, making scientific information accessible and promoting inclusion in ecological issues.

The coloured glare of the water visualises the varying concentrations of chemicals found in a local area of Nine Elms Pier over the pandemic. (sampling taken from Battersea Park East). Categories of chemicals found in the River Thames include: pharmaceuticals, pesticides, illicit drugs, nicotine & substances used to treat animal infections.

The data displayed in Undertow has been taken from the study:  ‘A One-Health environmental risk assessment of contaminants of emerging concern in London’s waterways throughout the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic’ led by Imperial College researchers. (Link) Conclusions of the study found: ‘In the R. Thames pharmaceutical MECs (Measured Environmental Concentration) decreased significantly during the 2020 lockdown period, with riverine concentrations exceeding pre-pandemic levels the following year’.

Undertow builds on the concept of the 'one-health' approach, highlighting the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of how human activities (and use of potentially harmful chemicals), can impact an urban ecosystem that supports the health of people, wildlife, and the environment.

Sisterwork, Ebb & Flow, displayed adjacent to Undertow, visualises tidal data and climatic conditions, on the same dates sampling took place in the ‘One Health’ study.

WHABBstudio is a creative duo working collaboratively to explore our changing world and our impact on the environment, using emerging technologies and scientific research. Drawing from experience of living on a boat in Nine Elms, India Gabb & Zoe Wheeler create works to connect Londoners with the River Thames. WHABBstudio is active in engaging local communities with topical issues such as the focus on planetary health. The duo have collaborated with organisations such as Nine Elms on the South Bank, Troy House Art Foundation, Tate Exchange and Uniqlo Tate Lates, Tate Modern and Wandsworth Council.

Website: WHABBstudio