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ART SCIENCE dialogue: Technology and Plants 28 March 2024 16:00 - 18:00

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In the final ART SCIENCE dialogue related to Life of Plants, Špela Petrič and Marije Martijn discuss the impact of altering our impression of what plants are. Špela Petrič created PL’AI, a work that presents an AI robot and a number of cucumber plants playfully interacting.

The robot engages with the plants, as the plants’ mobile tendrils explore their surroundings, wrapping themselves around any suitable object they comes across. The robot challenges the simplistic view of plants as mere resources, with play acting as a means for living beings to explore their capabilities.

When technology and plants meet, an unexpected alliance is forged that transcends traditional boundaries. We envision a world where robots and humans relate to plants in a non-extractive manner, recognizing that, despite being seemingly inanimate, plants deserve our empathy and serve as a source of learning. In this envisioned reality, both natural and artificial environments, not only coexist but thrive in harmony. The question arises: can this be a possible reality or will it remain just a vision?

This discussion will be moderated by professor Petra J.E.M van Dam.

About the VU ART SCIENCE gallery

About the VU ART SCIENCE gallery

The VU ART SCIENCE gallery focuses on the interaction between art and science. VU Amsterdam initiated the gallery, as it encourages the exchange of multidisciplinary knowledge. This is needed to address some of the most pressing challenges of today. The urgency and complexity of these issues demand radical concepts which allow us to leave conventional paths behind and explore new directions. The gallery is open from Tuesday till Saturday 12-6 pm.

VU ART SCIENCE gallery viewed from the east side, photographed in the evening from outside by Gert Jan van Rooij

About ART SCIENCE dialogue: Technology and Plants

Starting date

  • 28 March 2024

Time

  • 16:00 - 18:00

Location

  • VU ART SCIENCE gallery
  • New University Building

Address

  • De Boelelaan 1111
  • 1081HV Amsterdam

Organised by

  • VU ART SCIENCE gallery, Amsterdam Sustainability Institute

Language

  • English

About the speakers

About the speakers

Dr. Špela Petrič (1980, Slovenia) is a new media artist with a background in the natural sciences. Her artistic practice combines biomedia practices and performativity to enact strange relations between bodies that reveal the underpinnings of our (bio)technological societies and propose alternatives. Petrič has received several awards, such as the White Aphroid for outstanding artistic achievement (Slovenia), the Bioart and Design Award (Netherlands), and an Award of Distinction at Prix Ars Electronica (Austria).

Prof. dr. Marije Martijn, professor of History of Philosophy at VU Amsterdam, specializes in the philosophy of antiquity, both in teaching and research. Her publications encompass diverse topics, including nature, science, logic, and mathematics within the context of Neoplatonism during late antiquity. Additionally, she is actively establishing a network with fellow colleagues, aiming to foster critical reflection on the philosophy canon.

Prof. dr. Petra J.E.M van Dam is the chair professor for Water- and Environmental History, her research and teaching revolves around the environmental, socio-economic, political, and cultural dimensions of the interactions among humans, animals, and water landscapes. Through historical projects, her focus is on fostering environmental awareness to contribute to the shift towards a more sustainable world.

VU ART SCIENCE gallery

artsciencegallery@vu.nl

VU ART SCIENCE gallery
New University Building
De Boelelaan 1111
1081HV Amsterdam

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