Otoliths, or ear stones, and salmon scales serve as living records of their lives, much like tree rings. Each layer encodes the fish's journeys, revealing the duration of their existence and the experiences that have shaped them. These remarkable structures hold a biochronology—a map of life experiences embedded and made visible within their physical forms. Their bodies carry a shared memory, telling a collective story.

Fish possess an incredible ability to create and follow a map guided by instinctual knowledge, not on paper but within their very beings. They navigate through the world using magnetic fields and respond to unseen frequencies, forging a profound connection between their biology and the forces of the planet. This living archive is not simply a static record; it continuously evolves, inviting us to participate in an ongoing narrative of life and survival. 

This work delves into the rich and diverse dimensions of fish senses, bringing to light what often remains hidden: lived experience and how nature captures truths beyond human perception. Fish are not just creatures of the water but  living beings deserving of our understanding in a world without human contours.  These conceptual images have been printed onto two-metre-wide panels and installed at Donegal Quays in Belfast and at Portballintrae at the mouth of the River Bush, home to the AFBI research station, scientists and production partners to the work.

Artist Bio

Yvette is an Irish photographer and artist known for her research-driven approach to her work. Her practice intricately explores the intangible qualities of both external and internal landscapes, weaving together elements of myth and geography. Through her lens, she seeks to uncover the deeper narratives beneath the surface of the physical world, using her photography to evoke a sense of place and connection. Her projects often delve into cultural stories and natural environments, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of identity, memory, and the intricate relationships between individuals and their surroundings.

Visualising Natural Heritage of Northern Ireland: 

Visualising Northern Ireland’s Natural Heritage is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, five diverse photographers are collaborating with conservation groups and local communities across Northern Ireland to visualise our natural heritage, with a focus on Lough Neagh, peatland, marine areas, the wider Belfast Hills and temperate rainforests.

These new co-curated narratives and photographic works will feature in exhibitions and events in Belfast, throughout Northern Ireland and beyond. Belfast Photo Festival and its partners aim to foster creativity, build meaningful connections and generate lasting public engagement with societal impact to help protect the environment.