Exploring the Unknown - Through the eyes of scientists, artists and other species

Heike Jane  Zimmermann; Ann Eileen Lennert

doi:10.7557/7.8750

Authors

Heike Jane Zimmermann https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4131-0544
Ann Eileen Lennert UiT The Arctic University of Norway https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7934-4728

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7557/7.8750

Keywords:

deep-sea exploration , geoscience, science communication, extreme environment, comics, arts-based research, Co-creation

Abstract

On 11 November 2025, the RV Kronprins Haakon set sail from the Longyearbyen dock to launch the EXTREME25 expedition. This mission was a key event within the EXTREMES UArctic project (UA 06/2024, from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026), a collaboration between UiT - The Arctic University of Norway (Department of Geosciences), the University of Copenhagen (Department of Art and Cultural Studies) and the University of Iceland - Research Centre in Pingeyjarsveit.

With over 30 participants from diverse fields, including geology, biology, natural science, art history, sound and visual arts, illustration and anthropology, this multidisciplinary expedition aimed to combine scientific research with the creation of various art forms and storytelling.

The comic titled "Exploring the Unknown" draws inspiration from events during the expedition and highlights the complex connections between humanity, the deep sea and life on board.

This creative narration has been realised by two of the expedition participants during the time onboard: the science illustrator Jane Zimmermann and the environmental anthropologist Ann Eileen Lennert.