Bios in Search of Zoe

Ecological Graphic Novel
Assia Crawford

The purpose of the narrative constructed is to question how the biological materials and practices explored by the author through her research could feed into a broader global practice. It captures the tensions within scientific discourse that stem from the traditional scientific view of nature as a machine and the more recent science that points to nature as an intelligent force that humanity is deeply entangled within.   

The author further looks to propose a pre-Enlightenment type of system of belief and animism that fosters a relationship with nature and tries to discover if the scientific and paganism views can be combined to encourage environmental stewardship. 

“Through a blend of speculative storytelling and bio-design principles, this AI generated novel unpacks the tension between innovation and tradition, questioning the sustainability of growth-driven systems while embracing the possibilities of coexistence. It presents a world where technology is not a tool for domination but a collaborator in shaping harmonious ecosystems. As characters navigate an evolving relationship with the more-than-human world, their journey compels readers to reflect on the possibilities of living, creating, and imagining beyond the familiar.” – From Tulane’s News, Assia Crawford