A new exhibition at iMAL proposes to re-consider our imaginaries on nature and the non-human

iMAL is pleased to present NaturArchy: Towards a Natural Contract, an immersive exhibition that challenges conventional perspectives on humanity's relationship with the natural world. Through a combination of artistic expression, scientific inquiry, and public policy discourse, NaturArchy embraces art for systemic change, inviting visitors to reconsider their attitudes towards nature and the non-human.

The exhibition probes issues of deep ecology, sustainability and the decolonisation of nature. A number of art and science works explore and query nature and law, the entanglement of human and non-human, green technologies and new materials, nature and law, ecology and economy, ancient and new knowledge. From global oceans to water flows, from contamination and bacteria to climate tipping points, pollinators, and landscapes of natural hazards; from natural and artificial intelligence to non-human values, forests, lands, soils, composting; from grief and mourning to rituals, wonder and collective action.

Sixteen newly commissioned artworks serve as catalysts for reimagining humanity's place in the natural world. These pieces traverse a wide spectrum of themes, ranging from the interplay of global ecosystems to the intricate relationships between humans and natural phenomena. Through mediums such as sculpture, digital art, and interactive installations, artists envision new possible connections and modes of co-existence. At its core, NaturArchy calls for a paradigm shift in our relationship with nature—a shift away from viewing the environment as a mere backdrop or resource to be exploited, and towards recognizing nature as a being with intrinsic value and rights. By transcending traditional subject-object dichotomies and embracing principles of reciprocity and interdependence, the exhibition aims to lay the groundwork for a more equitable and sustainable future.

NaturArchy is the theme and curatorial concept of the fourth edition (2022-2024) of Resonances, the flagship initiative of JRC SciArt which fosters collaborations between artists, scientists and policymakers. Born from two years of deep inquiry, research and co-creation, NaturArchy is the culmination of a journey that began with a Summer School at the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre in 2022 and continued through artistic residencies in 2023. 

NaturArchy aims to explore – through artistic, scientific and legal expressions – how providing Nature and its phenomena with a contract that integrates her totally into our society can redefine our anthropocentric relationship with Nature. Intersecting science and law, reason and style, art and judgment, policy and imagination, NaturArchy wants to re-imagine the western relation of human and non-human, in an attempt to ensure juridical persona to Nature’s many wonders, be they stardust or DNA.

After two years of deep inquiry, research and co-creation, which began with a summer school at Joint Research Centre in 2022 and continued with artistic residencies at JRC in 2023, these works provocatively call to be juxtaposed to artefacts of natural and cultural heritage. To re-imagine our sense of place and belonging to the world; to respond to the entangled and profoundly symbiotic relationship between human and environment, through play and exploration of new possible configurations of the world.

NaturArchy: Towards a Natural Contract
​iMAL, Art Center for Digital Cultures & Technology
​25th May - 29th September 2024
​Opening Friday 24 May 2024

Press conference: 24 May, 11:00

Produced by JRC SciArt in partnership with iMAL
​Curated by Caterina Benincasa, Claudia Schnugg, Ingeborg Reichle and Adriaan Eeckels, co-curated with iMAL

Participating artists

Public program 

Accompanying the exhibition is a dynamic public program featuring talks, workshops, performances, nature walks, and more, scheduled from May to July 2024. These interactive sessions provide opportunities for audiences to engage with the exhibition themes, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and the natural world.

Catalogue 

Beyond its physical manifestation, NaturArchy aims to leave a lasting impact through the publication of an exhibition catalogue that will be available in autumn 2024. With international contributions on art and environment, this catalogue will document the collaborative research and insights generated by the exhibition, serving as a testament to the dialogue between art, science, and policymaking.

Images