Welcome to the Art at the End of the World club and the second theme this spring “Nature eyes upon us”!
When: March 1 and 15 at 11.30-13.30 CET
Where: CEMUS Library, Geocentrum, Villavägen 16, see map here https://link.mazemap.com/gVZ978v2
No registration needed
Hosted and organized by Sara Lopez Barreiro and Eva Gielen, Course Coordinators at CEMUS and the course Perspectives on Climate Change – Ecopsychology, Art and Narratives, 7.5 credits.
We humans have become more and more isolated from nature. Defining and seeing it as something outside of ourselves. Nature became something we can use for resources, adventures, or quiet time when we need it. A one-directional conversation. Turning this perspective around, how would nature see us? What would it think? This month we will explore natures eyes upon us, using art as a lens through which nature looks at us. We will ask ourselves the question, how can nature communicate with us? And maybe more importantly, are we listening?
Inspirational material:
- TERRA (2015) documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdK7Ip7-mIY *Synopsis: A visually stunning documentary that reflects human’s relationship to other species on Earth as humanity becomes more and more isolated from Nature.
- A letter from mother earth to humans. https://whatcanyoudo.earth/mother-earths-blog/letter-from-mother-earth/ https://medium.com/greener-together/a-heartfelt-letter-from-mother-earth-to-humanity-508334571ae8
- Looking through natures eyes- Art work. https://www.iaacblog.com/programs/looking-natures-eyes/ Virtual reality. Literally through the eyes of nature. https://www.designboom.com/art/marshmallow-laser-feast-grizedale-forest-in-the-eyes-of-the-animal-01-02-2015/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfyuuo1LwCE
Art at the End of the World club is a fortnightly, interdisciplinary gathering for anyone who wants to creatively explore humans-with-nature in our changing (ending?) world. Each month has an ecological theme to guide the two sessions. During sessions we create art inspired by materials on the subject, then we 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.
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. Your work does not have to be about the end of the world!