Dimensions Variable (DV) launches Yellowjacket_2524, an augmented reality (AR) site-specific work by Felice Grodin. Yellowjacket_2524 is a continuation of the work that Grodin has explored beginning with Felice Grodin: Invasive Species at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), (2017-2019), and with the latest iteration Unstable Ecologies at Oolite Arts’ Media Salon (2023). Grodin attempts to use technology and art to accelerate speculative scenarios that reflect the changing climate.
The (speculative) evolution of these “accelerated species” derives from research based on insects located around the South Florida region. The implementation of the work occurs through the scanning of a QR code by a smartphone or tablet. Through a series of steps, the artwork is “anchored” to the proposed site location.
Yellowjackets are a type of predatory wasp belonging to the Vespidae family. These wasps are commonly found in North America, though some species also inhabit other parts of the world. They are social insects that live in colonies consisting of queens, workers, and drones. Yellowjacket colonies are annual in that they are established by the spring and consist of a single queen. The colony usually lasts for only one season—only the queen will last through the winter. The colony has various stages of development. Fertilized queens emerge from hibernation during the warmer days of spring or summer and find protective zones such as ground cover, trees, or human architecture to begin constructing a nest. She gives birth to the first cycle of workers (infertile females) and the (male) drones. Members of the colony assist with foraging for food and nest expansion.
Yellowjackets are predators and feed on other insects, such as flies, caterpillars, and other wasps. Because they are active in the warmer months, yellowjackets play a role in controlling other insect populations. However, as the weather turns colder and winter approaches, they become sluggish and are not able to find food sources as easily. The end of the colony concludes and the only survivor—is the queen.
Speculative premise: as South Florida continues to heat during the next 500 years, hibernation is no longer necessary and nest colonies do not die off. In fact, they grow exponentially, along with the Queen.
