Mar 10: Translating the Whales – Art at the End of the World club


Welcome to Art at the End of the World club!

When: Every second Friday, kl. 11.30-13.30 (even weeks)

Where: CEMUS Library, Geocentrum, Villavägen 16

No registration needed

More information: contact enki.simmons[a]cemus.uu.se and anne.thompson[a]cemus.uu.se


A fortnightly, interdisciplinary gathering for anyone who wants to creatively explore themes around humans, nature, and the ties between us. Each month has an ecological theme to guide the two sessions. During the first session of each month we create art inspired by materials on the subject, then the second session is an opportunity to share and respond to each other’s work. Any art medium (visual, poetry, film, music etc) and any level of experience is welcome. You are also free to attend any session, even if you have not come previously.

A whale's black tail is visible above the water. Behind, rocky cliffs rise above the sea.

“I have a message… I was sent by the council of whales”
How we can listen to, understand, and translate the other beings that we share this planet with? Our watery kin, such as the magnificent whales, can seem so different from us small, two-legged, land-dwelling humans – yet like us they sing songs, have accents, memories, families. What would it mean to translate the voices of the more-than-human, especially those that live below the water, so that we can hear what they have to say too?

Quote: Lemn Sissay, ‘Whale Translation’

During these sessions we are keen to create a safe space for exploring what can be difficult subjects. Creating with and around nature can be a joyful and comforting experience, yet we must be mindful of the times we live in. Therefore, we aim to cultivate a supportive and emotionally open space where it is possible for people to express eco-grief and anxiety through creativity, while leaving room for hope. Despite the title, your work does not have to be about the end of the world!

Inspiration materials on the month’s theme will be available during the sessions and can also be found at the following links:

Inspirational materials: