Boundary|Time|Surface: assessing a meeting of art and geology through an ephemeral sculptural work

An ephemeral sculptural installation, 'Boundary|Time|Surface,' highlighted the intersection of art and geology by marking the international stratotype boundary between Ordovician and Cambrian strata at Gros Morne National Park, Canada. The 150-meter fence, constructed from on-site materials in a single day during low tide, was intentionally dismantled by wave action over subsequent tidal cycles, symbolizing the transient nature of human-imposed boundaries. Time-lapse documentation and public exhibitions translated this experience into interactive media, fostering engagement with geological and sociopolitical concepts. Analysis of visitor feedback—including 418 written comments from thousands of attendees—revealed significant audience interaction with the themes of knowledge acquisition and world-views in scientific inquiry. The study demonstrates how art can effectively communicate complex geoscientific ideas to broader audiences while provoking critical reflection on boundaries, both natural and human-made.

Lancaster, S. A., & Waldron, J. W. F. (2020). Boundary|Time|Surface: assessing a meeting of art and geology through an ephemeral sculptural work. Geoscience Communication, 3(2), 249–262. https://doi.org/10.5194/gc-3-249-2020