Photos by D Sharon Pruitt and Ben White

Affect and Ecology (ECO-AFFECT). Exploring Erico C. Nicola’s ecological vision and its contemporary relevance

Photo by D. Marzia Varutti

This project investigates the ecological vision of scientist Erico Charles Nicola (former owner of the Bois Chamblard) in order to illuminate the broader links between affect and ecology, and their relevance in the context of the current ecological crisis. A meteorologist and geophysicist, Nicola was also an environmental activist with a little known but prescient ecological vision, which appears to be based on affective engagements with the natural environment. Nicola’s ecological stance resonates strongly with current ecological debates, as we know today that affect is central to our response to the ecological crisis.

The overarching aim of the project is to draw on Nicola’s ecological vision in order to cast light on the connections between ecology and affect, and explore ways in which affect can be leveraged for ecological purposes such as promoting ecological awareness. This aim will be pursued through an analysis of Nicola’s ecological ethos and the role of affect in it, and through experimentation with combining scientific knowledge and affect, notably by creating opportunities for ecological awareness through ecopoetry installations at the Bois Chamblard.