Curating at the End of the World: Ethics, Sustainability, Beyond Human Intelligences
Prof. Krysa’s presentation takes the Helsinki Biennial 2023 edition ‘New Directions May Emerge’ as a case study to reflect on the role of contemporary art biennials in addressing pressing global issues, and the possibility of reimagining curatorial practice beyond the existing paradigms. Taking inspiration from anthropologist Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing and her seminal book ‘The Mushroom at the End of the World: On the Possibility of Life in Capitalist Ruins’ 2015, Helsinki Biennial 2023 explored the possibility of a more sustainable and responsible approach to biennial making in times of social, environmental, and technological urgency, through its curatorial framing and practice. Following Tsing’s call to learn from (the art of) 'noticing', the biennial was an invitation to consider how small or otherwise invisible details might prompt possibilities to act, to imagine differently, and reconcile the impact of human intervention, environmental and technological damage. Acknowledging other people, animals, plants, environment, data, and other human and nonhuman entities around us -- as agencies, co-creators, and beneficiaries -- the biennial sought to bring cultural, natural and technological worlds together, to inspire reflection and action.
The talk will be followed by a discussion and Q&A session facilitated by Dr. Ileana L. Selejan. Key points include: thinking about the intersections of art and technology through the lens of ecological crisis; the biennial “model”; what types of practices (decentred, non-hierarchical, collaborative, eco-critical, etc.) might lie beyond traditional curatorial approaches. The event presents a unique opportunity for ECA students to gain a deeper understanding of the curation of a major exhibition and reflect upon the implications of such an endeavour while seeking to foster sustainable, ethical practices. Coffee and tea will be provided. Open to the general public.
About Joasia Krysa
Joasia Krysa is a curator and Professor of Exhibition Research and Director of the Institute of Art and Technology (IAT) at Liverpool School of Art and Design, Liverpool John Moores University, with an adjunct position at Liverpool Biennial. She served as Curator of the 2nd edition of Helsinki Biennial 2023, Co-curator of Liverpool Biennial 2016, Artistic Director of Kunsthal Aarhus, Denmark (2012 - 2015) and co-curator of Documenta 13 (2012).
About Ileana L. Selejan
Ileana L. Selejan is an art historian and curator, Lecturer in Art History, Culture and Society at Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh.
Image: Visual Identity Helsinki Biennial 2023, The Rodina
Access
Please do let us know if you require any support in accessing this event by emailing eca.events@ed.ac.uk
Please see ECA's privacy notice for more information on how your personal details provided will be used and stored.
