The exhibition Living Systems – Concepts of Natural and Artificial Otherness in Collective Habitats presents an intriguing amalgam of artistic visions and scientific concepts that explore the evolution of man and the environment. Inspired by latest research and achievements in natural sciences and technologies, the exhibition provides an opportunity for a deeper dive into the holobiontic paradigm, which considers species as complex ecosystems and emphasises an interdependence of all beings.
These art projects explore exciting and innovative ways of interacting with the natural environment, rethinking the human body as a resource of materials and energy for recycling, as well as an important link in evolutionary survival once the anticipated changes on Earth have come to pass.
By experimenting with the collective habitat, the artists pose the question of sustainability and adaptation, encouraging reflection on future forms of social organisation. In addition, the digital expansion of the human family and the development of smart communication interfaces open up spaces for reflection on the impact of technology on interpersonal relationships. The concepts, models and theories the artists present in their works, though poetic and grounded in fiction and imagination, provide novel, fresh perspectives on life and the world. Creatively employing and interpreting a theoretical or scientific framework, and transposing archives of historical knowledge and current technological possibilities into futuristic visions, they engender sensorially rich, immersive and comprehensive insights, pointing to the interconnectedness of biological, philosophical, ecological, social and political spheres.
The exhibition is part of the KONTEJNER 3.0 programme, an international event that presents current and experimental art practices through three KONTEJNER program segments.
Participating artists:
▸ Dorotea Dolinšek: Biosymbiotic Exoskeleton, 2023
▸ Charlotte Jarvis, Dr. Patricia Saragüeta: Organ of Radical Care: Una Matriz Colaborativa, 2022 – ongoing
▸ So Kanno, Akihiro Kato, Takemi Watanuki: Kazokutchi, 2023
▸ Kasia Molga: How to Make an Ocean, 2021
▸ Paula Nishijima: Plug-in Habitat, 2022 – ongoing
▸ Marisa Satsia: Open Source Body – [Meta]fluidic gems and apparatus series, 2022 – ongoing
▸ Maria Smigielska, CompMonks: Proteus 4.0, 2023
▸ Studio Above&Below: Meditative Cohabitation, 2023
Curators: Olga Majcen Linn & Tereza Teklić (KONTEJNER)
Supported by: Creative Europe Programme of the European Union, Government of the Republic of Croatia Office for Cooperation with NGOs, Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia, City of Zagreb – Municipal Office for Culture, Kultura nova Foundation
The group show takes place from 17 to 29 October 2023 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb.
