Sensilla Sanguis

This project spotlights vector-borne diseases that affect human health and impact impoverished and marginalized communities. We explore biotremologic and air-borne acoustic energies (vibration and sound) associated with arthropods, such as mosquitoes and ticks, that carry disease agents causing human and animal illness and death. We delve into the visceral multi-sensory world of pathogen-carrying arthropods to better understand the health and societal impacts in our shared environment and the complex relationship between vectors and hosts.

Global environmental shifts in climate conditions give rise to altered human behaviors and the geographic changes of arthropod populations. The conditions in which human populations live in affected communities impact daily practices to such an extent that something as simple as walking outside may be unsafe. With solastalgia in mind, we ask, how are concepts or feelings of home changed in these circumstances? Can we co-create adaptations with arthropod species?

Pagac and Diekman collaborate on interactive sonic installations at the bleeding edges of art and science, bioacoustics and biotremology.

Ben Pagac is an entomologist by day but also an independent radio producer and sound artist based in Annapolis, MD. His interests include science communication, public health, and the impact of climate change on disease vectors. He is a founding member of the sound collective, Listening Lounge, based in Washington D.C. Kristine Diekman is a media artist and educator. She creates multi-sensory installations that activate tactility and deep listening. She designs and leads international workshops in embodied storytelling utilizing sound, touch, and computing. Diekman is on the board of the Midwest Society of Acoustic Ecology and is an affiliate representative on the World Forum for Acoustic Ecology.