Panel discussion about The Cosmopolitan Chicken Project
Saturday 14.9.2024
14.00 at the University Museum
Welcome to a panel discussion on Saturday, September 14th, at 14:00 in the Tower Hall at the University Museum!
This conversation brings together Belgian artist Koen Vanmechelen, paleontology professor Hanneke Meijer, and anthropologist Karin Lillevold from the University of Bergen. The conversation will be moderated by Gitte Sætre, debate editor at Kunsthall 3,14.
This panel discussion is a collaboration between Kunsthall 3,14 and the University Museum, in connection with the opening of The Cosmopolitan Chicken Project the day before at Kunsthall 3,14.
Saturday’s discussion will explore how art can challenge and enrich our understanding of biological and cultural diversity. In The Cosmopolitan Chicken Project Vanmechelen crossbreeds chicken species from around the world to create a "cosmopolitan chicken" that carries the genes of all chicken breeds on the planet. One of the key questions to be addressed will be:
* How can we understand human-animal relationships in the light of The Cosmopolitan Chicken Project? Anthropologist Karin Lillevold will share insights from her research on human-animal relationships and discuss how projects like this can illuminate paradoxes in the Anthropocene.
* Can long-term patterns in bird diversity inform our view of projects like Vanmechelen's? Researcher Hanneke Meijer will discuss the role of birds throughout history and how archaeological materials can enhance our understanding of genetic diversity.
This is a unique opportunity to experience one of Bergen's most beautiful rooms, the Tower Hall, which is only opened for specially selected events. Saturday's discussion offers a rare chance to participate in an interdisciplinary dialogue that brings together art, science, and culture to reflect on our place in nature.
The event is free, but please remember to pick up your ticket at the museum shop. Christie Café will be open for refreshments.
Location: Muséplass 3
Time: 14:00 - 15:00
Price: Free
Organizers: University Museum of Bergen and Kunsthall 3,14
About the Participants:
Koen Vanmechelen is an internationally acclaimed Belgian artist known for his work at the intersection of art, science, and social issues. His project The Cosmopolitan Chicken Project explores biocultural diversity through the crossbreeding of chicken species from around the world. Vanmechelen's work addresses themes such as identity, globalization, and the relationship between humans and nature and has been exhibited at leading museums and biennales worldwide.
Karin Lillevold is an anthropologist at the University of Bergen, focusing on human-animal relations and social science perspectives on the Anthropocene. Her research examines paradoxes in the interactions between humans and nature, and she actively contributes to discussions on sustainability and biodiversity in a time marked by environmental change.
Hanneke Meijer is a researcher at the University of Bergen specializing in paleontology and evolutionary biology. She studies long-term patterns in bird diversity and their development over time, utilizing archaeological material and modern techniques to understand the role of birds in ecosystems and their relationship to human culture and history.
Gitte Sætre is the debate editor at Kunsthall 3,14, where she curates and leads conversations on art and societal issues. She is dedicated to creating engaging discussions that challenge, inspire, and explore the potential of art.