Katina Bitsicas and Scott McMahon
Sea Change: Uncovering the Unseen
2024

Sea Change: Uncovering the Unseen utilizes a recently discovered archive of deteriorated ichthyological glass plate negatives at the turn of the 20th century from Carl H. Eigenmann, an Indiana University alumnus, professor and administrator as well as a well-known ichthyologist. Much of his research was coauthored with his wife and fellow ichthyologist, Rosa Smith Eigenmann, who is believed to be the first female ichthyologist and the first female member of the San Diego Society of Natural History. Rosa became interested in local natural history and collected plant and animal specimens, particularly fish, and discovered a new species of blind goby in the caves beneath Point Loma. This translation of our archival research, the ichthyological glass plates at IU, and the collected specimens and footage is transformed into this video artwork. This multimedia project creates a way for the public to connect with both the arts and sciences in an informative and approachable manner. By using the first female ichthyologist to translate the experience of women at the forefront of scientific exploration, a path is illuminated for future generations of female environmental explorers. These plates serve as a record of the water damage, deteriorating the photographic image in a serendipitous way. Water, the life-force for these fish, also becomes the culprit of decay. Samples of ocean water collected from San Diego, where the ichthyology research was conducted, are examined at a microscopic level, combining an element of artistic discovery with the scientific research. These photographic plates have been transformed over the past 100 years, much like our aquatic ecosystems. We use the archive to re-frame and repurpose this scientific research and methods of discovery through artistic interpretation.