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Empathy and MicrobesÌý

Lecturer’s Abstract:

"We are slowly realising that our bodies are ecosystems full of biodiversity, in which complex societies of microbes live. IfÌý50% of the cells that constitute our body are notÌýhuman but microbial, how can weÌýget in touch with our co-habitants?ÌýHow should we approach the microbial body, the microbial interplay between humans and other living species?ÌýWhat does this mean for our self-recognition, for our concepts ofÌýautonomy, and for the borders of our self?

This lecture will present projects such asÌýExpanded SelfÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýBeing Encounter,Ìýwhich explore anÌýin-between space, addressing uncertainties, ambiguities and imaginationÌýlinked to the microbial paradigm shift.ÌýBased on lab research and current scientific theories about the influence microbes haveÌýon the human body - and mind - the works stage encounters with these organisms living with us to explore possible futures of further co-existence."

Biography

Across various disciplinesÌýincluding art, design, fashion and biological practice, Sonja Bäumel works with the unexpected diversity of the human ecosystem, with its communication and ‘social network’, and with our changing perspective on the human body. The critique of human exceptionalism is at the core of her work and its investigations of the curious relationship between humans and microbes.

Sonja studied Fashion Design at theÌýFashion Institute of Vienna, and holds a Bachelor of Arts from theÌýUniversity of Arts in Linz, as well as a Master’s in Conceptual Design in Context from theÌýDesign Academy Eindhoven.

Her work has been exhibited in multiple museums, festivals and galleries,Ìýboth nationally and internationally.ÌýSonja is currently headingÌýthe Jewellery - Linking Bodies Department at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam, as well as lecturing and giving workshops in different national and international academies and universities.

View the full schedule for The Bartlett International Lecture SeriesÌýÌý

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