An ancient sensory ability that enables organisms such as sharks, rays and bees to detect and respond to electrical fields will be presented on an immersive scale at the Multi-Arts Pavilion (MAP) mima from Saturday 26 April.
Award-winning experimental artist Sandy Sanderson said her exhibition, Communia Omnia, invites viewers to tap into and explore this often-unconscious sensory perception in a tangible and interactive way.
"Electricity is fundamental to life, shaping interactions in ways we are only beginning to understand," she said.
One feature shows how flowers produce a negative charge that attracts positively charged bees, helping with pollination and letting other bees know the flower's been visited.
"This work challenges assumptions about perception, sensory boundaries and interspecies communication – reminding us that existence is profoundly interconnected."
The exhibition takes its name from the Latin phrase meaning 'that which belongs to all', reflecting Sanderson's exploration of non-human perspectives and the shared, yet often unnoticed, forces that link species.
MAP, mima Curator David Rastas said the immersive exhibition would bring a truly unique experience to the space.
"I'm excited about this exhibition — not only does it explore a rarely discussed theme, but it does so in a way that feels fresh and original," he said.
"Sanderson's work includes installation, soft sculpture, film and a mix of new and traditional technologies with an original sound composition which completely wraps visitors into the space."
Sanderson is a graduate of Newcastle Art School, where in 2022 she was awarded 'Outstanding Achievements in the Arts'. This award came with the opportunity to participate in a MAP mima residency.
Her work has been displayed at the Art in Your Community space in the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, and she was a finalist in the Lake Art Prize 2022.
The exhibition, which features musical performances by artists Zeal.H and Tim Merrikin, will be on display until Sunday 1 June 2025.
