Upcoming events.
VU Pride Library Exhibition
In light of the reopening of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Pride Library we will exhibit ‘Faces of Photosynthetic Human’. The exhibit showcases portraits of Queers and allies who contributed to creating the artistic work ‘Photosynthetic Human’. Through the portraits and (planned) screenings of the documentary ‘Photosynthetic Human’ you will be taken back to the show at the industrial site of Atelier Mellius in Amsterdam-Noord (end 2021).
The exhibit will be on display for a year and can be visited on the 11th floor of the main building of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (free of charge).
Warming Up Festival
Former research lab of Shell in Amsterdam is build into a creative hub, showcasing work from artists and designers opening up the debate on the ongoing climate crises. The work ‘Photosynthetic Human’ will be on display during the festival.
Stedelijk Museum: Dwars door het museum - After six
In collaboration with the VU artscience laboratory and dancer Jordan Achiano, Iza Awad will present the first photosynthetic human. Using a lab-developed photosynthetic gel containing algae, people transform into air purifiers. This performance is part of Awad's latest work in which he uses the collaboration between art, science, identity and climate activism to question our status quo.
Furthermore, during Meet the Masters Awad will zoom in on the artistic work Power Plants (2019) by Hito Steyerl (currently on exhibition at Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam) and relates this to his own work and research ‘Photosynthetic Human’.
Queer Landing: Screening Short Film Photosynthetic Human
Screening of the short film Photosynthetic Human at Queer Landing x International queer and migrant Filmfestival.
Premiere Short Film Photosynthetic Human
In collaboration with Kriterion Amsterdam and Volkshotel we will premiere the short film Photosynthetic Human in a hotel room at Short Movie Sunday. Celebrate with us the intersectionality between science and art on the 20th of March.
Evolution 2: Photosynthetic Human
We invite you to a show and exposition that will reveal the first photosynthetic human. This is our most recent work evolved through scientific research at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in collaboration with VU Artscience lab. A second skin made of a cellulose gel in combination with photosynthetic cells, like algae creates a photosynthetic biodegradable gel which could be used as second skin on the human body purifying the indoor-and-outdoor air.
Be part of the solution, join the revolution!
Evolution 1: Organic Living Kombucha Couture
In our fast world of consumption, it is time for a new era where we celebrate and protect Nature. Not only is nature our primary source of life, but it can also function as an essential element for sustainable fashion.
In my internship at the VU Artscience lab at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam I got to witness the cooperative effect of Art and Science. In the lab I focused on creating and designing a living fabric from Kombucha bacterial cellulose in combination with plants and algae. The plants and algae are able to live in harmony in the designed clothes, creating a synergetic ecosystem.
Making a living fabric also questions our current vision on fashion. Do we still create a negative impact when we throw away our clothes after wearing it for one fashion season? Can we eat and regrow our clothes by easily treating it? Can we all be fashion designers when we grow our clothes at home and restyle it everyday?
You are invited to a unique, non-conventional catwalk and performance. This fashion line is made for our future, as a thank you to all the resources our precious earth is giving us. Join me, other scientists and artists at the Hortus (VU) and experience a sustainable future.