Matter of South: Biomaterial from Latin America
Redefining Sustainability through Art, Science, and Biodiversity in Latin American Innovations
August 07th, 2024
The exhibition "Matter of South" at the Kunstgewerbemuseum in Berlin delves into the innovative world of biomaterials in Latin America, showcasing how culture and biodiversity intersect to shape future possibilities through bioengineered materials.
The exhibition features a collection of works by various artists and researchers, each exploring different facets of biomaterials:
- Growing Color, Detail by Heidi Jalkh and Leonardo Majul
- Fluorecer Ganoderma Multipileum Under UV Light, Detail by Florencia Cesari Tommarello, Heidi Jalkh, and Sistemas Biomateriales
- Fungal Interactions Ganoderma Lucidum and Pycnoporus Sanguineus, Detail by Leonardo Majul, Aldana Kremer, and Sistemas Biomateriales
- TRAZOS Edición Biomateriales, Detail by Gisela Pozzetti, Heidi Jalkh, and Sistemas Materiales
These works highlight the intricate beauty and potential of biomaterials, from fungi interacting under UV light to the vibrant hues that can be cultivated naturally.
Central to the exhibition is the "Archive of Biomaterials," an installation that presents a diverse array of biomaterial samples and documentary records of manufacturing processes throughout Latin America. This dynamic archive is mapped to illustrate the rich and varied landscape of biomaterial initiatives across the region. It serves as a collaborative network, documenting and connecting projects, groups, and individuals dedicated to biomaterials and biomanufacturing research.
Visitors can engage with the interactive biomaterials map, which results from extensive surveys and data analysis of over 200 initiatives, spanning products, art, academic research, and public dissemination efforts. The mapping process remains open and evolving, continuously incorporating new initiatives discovered during the exhibition.
A pivotal component of the exhibition is the "Biomaterials Manifesto," a collective narrative that encapsulates discussions and perspectives from experts across disciplines. The manifesto aims to provide a snapshot of the collective efforts and viewpoints on biomaterials, acknowledging their contradictions and emphasizing the guiding principles and unique characteristics of these initiatives in Latin America. Rather than presenting definitive conclusions, the manifesto seeks to document the ongoing dialogue and collaborative efforts in the field.
"Matter of South" serves as a platform for dialogue, creativity, and collaboration. It invites participants to explore the transformative potential of biomaterial cultures in Latin America, promoting local initiatives and encouraging community engagement. By fostering symbiotic practices between humans and their environment, the initiative aims to inspire positive change.
The exhibition is curated by Heidi Jalkh (Argentina), Gisela Pozzetti (Argentina), and Valentina Aliaga (Chile), as part of the "More than Human" platform at the Kunstgewerbemuseum, curated by Claudia Banz.
In conjunction with the exhibition, a symposium and various workshops will take place, further enriching the dialogue around biomaterials and their impact.
"Matter of South" is not just an exhibition but a movement towards rethinking our relationship with the environment through the lens of biomaterials, offering a glimpse into a future where art, science, and nature coalesce to create sustainable solutions.
