Project Details

Project: Signal_Crayfish
Group Show: Navigeringer – På kanten af en verden i forandring
Location: Holstebro Kunstmuseum, Holstebro (DK)
Opening: 2020-09-26
Close: 2021-01-17
Photo Credit: David Stjernholm, Holstebro Kunstmuseum
Thanks To: Michael Kjær (curator/researcher), Vejle Kunstmuseum, Ferdinand Ahm Krag, Gry Bagøien, Rikke Benborg
Supported by: A.P. Møller og Hustru Chastine Mc-Kinney Møllers Fond til Almene Formaal, Knud Højgaards Fond, 15. Juni Fonden, Konsul Georg Jorck og Hustru Emma Jorcks Fond, Grosserer L. F. Foghts Fond, Statens Kunstfond, Ny Carlsbergfondet
Links: 1

Signal_Krebs was an installation work presented in the group exhibition "Navigeringer – På kanten af en verden i forandring". The project examined the invasive signal crayfish species currently displacing native Danish freshwater crayfish.

The installation consisted of 3D-printed crayfish models, information screens, video material, and text displays on pink pedestals. The work mixed factual information about signal crayfish with invented characteristics, including claims that the species can grow to 1.8 metres and possess wireless communication abilities. Components included routers, antennas, and cables arranged alongside the biological forms.

The work was structured as a natural history museum display. 3D-printed models represented crayfish body parts modified with technological elements. Text panels presented both accurate biological information and fabricated technical specifications. Video elements included a deep fake sequence featuring politician Pernille Vermund discussing invasive species.

The installation drew from actual environmental concerns about invasive species whilst incorporating fictional elements related to digital communication networks and surveillance technologies.

The work was exhibited at Vejle Kunstmuseum from March to August 2020, then at Holstebro Kunstmuseum from September 2020 to January 2021. It was accompanied by scholarly publication and received coverage in Danish art press. The project formed part of a research collaboration between the participating museums and the University of Copenhagen.