Imagine a future where sea levels have risen, Scarborough lies submerged, and life has adapted in extraordinary ways. Humans and marine species have evolved into hybrid forms, merging survival with imagination. This is the vision brought to life in ‘Ambiguous Machines’, the fourth commission on Wild Eye’s art and nature trail in North Yorkshire.
Developed by acclaimed UK artist Shezad Dawood and award-winning writer Daisy Hildyard, this Augmented Reality (AR) experience transforms Scarborough’s seafront into a portal to a fantastical yet poignant future. Launched in November 2024, the project weaves together science, storytelling, myth, and the voices of the local community to explore the profound impacts of climate change on marine and coastal environments.
Accessed through QR codes at three locations along the seafront, audiences step into a world populated by three digital characters, each inspired by real local conservationists and scientists:
- Magnus the Shrimp
- Jane the Seaweed Being
- Stuart the Post-human Whale
Each character is a vivid representation of ecological realities and artistic imagination, shaped by input from the people of Scarborough and skilfully woven into an accompanying piece of creative writing by author Daisy Hildyard, ‘The Aquarium‘.
The short story presents a narrative of adaptation and co-evolution, echoing themes of transformation and resilience. The story explores change across geological, biological and cultural themes, celebrating life’s ability to evolve and thrive. Blending myth, science, and speculative fiction, the narrative reflects our ecological challenges, suggesting survival depends on embracing transformation and reimagining our bond with the nonhuman world.
Building Ambiguous Machines
At its core, ‘Ambiguous Machines‘ is a celebration of local creativity and collaboration. The project’s foundations were laid in two community-driven workshops held in May 2024: one with a group at The Street, a local hub for community activity, and another with students from Scarborough Sixth Form.
The Street: Game Design Meets Storytelling
Participants, including individuals from Scarborough Disability Action Group and The SPARKS Project, provided their unique perspectives and creativity, drawing on their love for games and storytelling to imagine how the piece might be structured. Their discussions explored themes of transformation, adaptation, and resilience, sparking ideas for how the AR experience could blend interactive storytelling with tangible environmental concerns.
Their insights shaped not only the narrative framework of the project but also the structure of the characters’ stories. For example, imagining how different creatures might navigate a submerged Scarborough led to the creation of hybrid beings like Magnus the Shrimp.
-
Students from Scarborough Sixth Form imagine how creatures might adapt and coevolve due to climate change.© Katie Andrews -
Students from Scarborough Sixth Form imagine how creatures might adapt and coevolve due to climate change.© Katie Andrews -
Students from Scarborough Sixth Form imagine how creatures might adapt and coevolve due to climate change.© Katie Andrews -
Community members sit together to discuss how future species might adapt to climate pressures© Katie Andrews
Scarborough Sixth Form: Artistic Flair in Action
Meanwhile, the students at Scarborough Sixth Form lent their artistic skills and creative thinking to the design of the digital characters. Inspired by environmental and societal pressures, they envisioned the look and personalities of these hybrids. They explored how these characters might interact with their changing world, adding layers of complexity to their identities.
For example, Jane the Seaweed Being emerged as a symbol of adaptability and coexistence, reflecting the students’ ideas about how humans and marine life could interact in a future shaped by rising seas.
These collaborative sessions ensured the project wasn’t just about imagining the future—it was about grounding that vision in the lived experiences, ideas, and creativity of the Scarborough community.
-
Scarborough Sixth Form lent their artistic skills and creative thinking to the design of the digital characters.© Katie Andrews -
Inspired by environmental and societal pressures, they envisioned the look and personalities of these hybrids.© Katie Andrews -
Scarborough Sixth Form lent their artistic skills and creative thinking to the design of the digital characters.© Katie Andrews -
Students explored how the characters might interact with their changing world, adding layers of complexity to their identities© Katie Andrews
From Local Inspiration to Global Reflection
By embedding local voices and perspectives into the very fabric of ‘Ambiguous Machines’, Shezad Dawood has created an experience that reflects the people of Scarborough as much as it does the environmental challenges they face. The work invites audiences to think deeply about how communities might adapt to climate change while celebrating the strength of collective imagination.
We invite you to experience this unique addition to the Wild Eye trail on your next visit to Scarborough. Look for the QR codes along the seafront, immerse yourself in the world of ‘Ambiguous Machines’, and step into the future shaped by the creativity and resilience of the Scarborough community.
