DIA II, an Art and Science project

The Art & Science DIA II project was born out of a collaboration between two researchers from LEMAR – Brivaela MORICEAU and Maeva GESSON – and a biology student they supervised, Ambre VALLET, who went on to become a choreographer and founder of the EKLA company. Together, they devised a show aimed at raising public awareness of the crucial importance of diatoms in the ecosystem, even though they are invisible to us in our daily lives.

The show, entitled ‘Diatoms: Our Invisible Indispensables’, is EKLÀ’s first creation. Its development drew on the talent and creativity of a choreographer, three dancers, a set designer, two composers and two glass artists. This immersive choreographic work brings together dancers and scientists around sculptures made of glass, paper and fabric, celebrating the beauty of life and the power of collective action, mirroring the role of diatoms in carbon capture. Dance, understood here as an unconventional medium, poeticises, translates and metaphorises certain concepts, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. By creating an emotional connection and introducing the general public to the beauty of diatoms, this creation aims to inspire everyone to take action to protect the oceans and living organisms. The ARDCO and CLIMARCTIC projects contribute directly to the creation of the show: scientists play an active role in advising, validating and participating in the performance.

After a first performance at Océanopolis during the Fête de la Science, the project is looking for ways to continue its artistic research and return to the stage.