Based in Amsterdam, the Transnatural agency organises events and represents the label of the same name, focusing on the interplay between technology and the laws of nature.
Grand-Hornu Images and Transnatural bring together their shared aspirations for an approach combining scientific rigour, aesthetic sensitivity and the joy of discovery in an exhibition that aims to stimulate reflection on contemporary art and design in relation to today’s technological, social and natural environment.
The exhibition Linking Parts offers visitors the opportunity to witness various forms of collaboration between artists, designers and scientists. These collaborations can give rise to systems imbued with collective ingenuity. What happens if we combine the capabilities and characteristics of humans, animals, plants and machines, considering them as potential components of new realities? Without laying down rules, we let these new realities follow their own course.
From microorganisms that break down plastics into harmless materials (such as bee hives made from urban wood waste) to the symbiosis between two fungal organisms capable of transforming man-made synthetic materials into biomass, through to photoluminescent coatings developed to convert residual energy into visible light, or even 3D printing combined with growing organic materials... the exhibition will showcase original, fascinating and daring works. An impressive experience for the senses and the mind.
Among these works are Mycelanium Chair by Erik Klarenbeek, Trace Light by Mike Thompson and Gionata Gatto, Thermophores by Tim van Cromvoirt and System Synthetics by Maurizio Montalti (IT/NL).
Linking Parts is curated by Arjen Bangma with editorial collaboration from Klaas Kuitenbrouwer (thematic).
