Foram

We all inhabit a vast, interconnected ecosystem, where every being – no matter how big or small – plays a vital role in fostering a harmonious world. Among these, Planktonic Foraminifera, or Forams, are tiny microscopic organisms with an outsized importance. These tiny beings hold essential clues about the Earth’s ancient climate patterns, helping us to better understand the effects of our rapidly changing climate. ‘Foram’ explores how all things, even what can appear as the most isolated and marginalised elements of our world, play a crucial role in protecting our planet.

‘Foram’ builds on artist AlanJames Burns’ own lived experience and their disability focused arts practice, exploring how Climate Change disproportionately impacts marginalised and disability communities. ‘Foram’ is a celebration of diverse perspectives, voices and lived experiences and how the power of inclusive collaboration can reshape the world towards a more just and sustainable future. 

Through a public talk and installation, ‘Foram’ presents research from Burns’s artistic residency on board the Celtic Explorer research cruise CE23011. This expedition, led by chief scientist and collaborator Dr. Audrey Morley from the University of Galway and iCRAG, ventured to one of the most remote regions on Earth in July 2023. Here, amidst the icy expanses of the Arctic Ocean and the Greenland coast, the research team studied Forams— small yet significant organisms that can help us unravel the mysteries of our planet’s past, and perhaps, safeguard its future.