Serving the San Francisco Bay Area New Music Community

Fri, Aug 21 2026 7:00 PM


Phytomorphic Topographies is a work which investigates fragile ecosystems of the Latvian wilderness through three-dimensional visual representations and near-field audio recordings. Gathered from forests, bogs and nature reserves, and guided by botanist Liga Pentjusa (University of Riga), the artists performed botanical surveys using photogrammetry and field recording as a means to document these protected environments.

By engaging with these places on multiple audio / video scales in order to provide an alternative perspective of human and non-human relationships and interconnectedness. Through a custom designed audio-visual instrument, we are able to traverse both the sonic and visual landscape in real-time to create a third space which serves as a metaphor for a systemic shift in our relationship to the environment - rather than impose a composition, the landscape itself becomes the instrument.

Phytomorphic Topologies focuses on natural environments by exploring their capacity as a compositional tool in order to foster novel views and reflections rather than simple representations. We both share a concern for our earth’s future, and desire to create a work that brings attention and consideration to both the visible and often overlooked life structures around us.

https://grayarea.org/event/pierce-warnecke-and-matthew-biederman-phytomorphic-topologies/