In "Alter Nature: We Can", the Z33 Centre looks at the sub-aspect of fauna and flora in nature. Through the works of some twenty international artists we explore how humankind manipulates nature and how the concept of "nature" constantly changes as a result of this.
The works are not about using nature to meet basic needs (such as health, food, protection, etc.). Interesting projects in this context are legion, but grouped together they almost inevitably lead to simplified contradictions. On the one hand, one has projects that look "positively" upon transforming nature: they find out what technology can do or they show solutions. These projects are often criticised because they seem to subscribe seamlessly to the scientific belief in progress. On the other hand, some projects show the negative side; they look at interventions in nature that have gone wrong. These projects are criticised to bathe autonomous art corner's wagging finger. They criticise but do not offer any solutions.
Alter Nature: We Can
From carrots and bonsai trees to acoustic plants and orange pheasants, Z33 Museum focuses on the different ways in which people have displaced, manipulated or designed nature
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- 22 December 2010
- Hasselt
"Alter Nature: We Can" wants to go beyond this simplified pro-contra positioning. The works on display are therefore devoid of strict utilitarianism and the emphasis is on the historic context of intervention, the multiplicity of manipulations and our fluctuating understanding of the concept of nature.
"Alter Nature: We Can" is part of "Alter Nature", an overarching project by Z33, the Hasselt Fashion Museum and CIAP in collaboration with the MAD faculty, the University of Hasselt, the Flemish Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), KULeuven University and bioSCENTer.
Alter Nature: We Can
to 13.03.2011
Z33, Hasselt