'Tidal Zone Experiences', an exhibition by the Platform for Algae Diplomacy, created by Brussels-based artists Filip Van Dingenen and Hélène Meyer, opens at the VUB in culture house Pilar on Wednesday 19 April. The exhibition playfully explores the interaction between seaweed communities and marine plants, and how they inhabit and intertwine with complex ecosystems.
The exhibition includes works by Filip Van Dingenen, Che Go Eun, Pélagie Gbaguidi, Jean Katambayi Mukendi, Hélène Meyer, Alain Nsenga, Yemo Park, Clémentine Vaultier & Ciel Grommen & Maximiliaan Royakkers. The fringe programme includes talks between artists and researchers, performances, ceremonial tastings and an algae burning.
The exhibition is organised by Pilar and VUB Crosstalks in the framework of the chair Casterman-Hamers: History and Philosophy of Sciences. The Casterman-Hamers chair was established in 2013 by scientists Cécile Casterman and Raymond Hamers, who conducted antibody research in the 1980s and discovered a new class of antibodies in camel species, the alpaca antibodies.
As an academic chair for history and philosophy of science, the Casterman-Hamers chair is committed to an interdisciplinary approach to scientific issues. In this context, the chair presents Tidal Zone Experiences, encouraging visitors and participants to be open to knowledge and guidance from local communities, plants and non-human entities. This activity series offers not only an artistic exploration of the world of seaweeds, but also a scientific and philosophical reflection on the complex and often forgotten relationships between humans and nature.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- The Tidal Zone Experiences exhibition is free and takes place at Pilar Expo (Second & Third Floor) - Boulevard du Triomphe, VUB Entrance 6, 1050 Brussels.
- Festive opening on 19 April at 18:00. More information: https://crosstalks.net/event/opening-tidal-zone-experiences
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 2pm to 8pm. On event days, the exhibition is open from 14:00 to 22:00.
- From 19 April to 25 May, side events take place in Pilar. More info can be found on the Crosstalks website: https://crosstalks.net/project/tidal-zone-experiences
Tidal Zone Experiences is a collaboration between Pilar and VUB Crosstalks, in the framework of the Chair Casterman-Hamers: History and Philosophy of Sciences. The exhibition and the discursive programme were put together in dialogue with the Platform for Algae Diplomacy, an initiative of Brussels-based artists Filip Van Dingenen and Hélène Meyer.