ABOUT EXHIBITION

HUMAN = NON-HUMAN

Equals. The acknowledgement that humans are an equal part of nature and thus intertwined with all living and non-living organisms is an important principle in nature-inclusive thinking and acting. A complicating factor is the blurring boundary between humans and cyberspace. What is real? And what is not? How are we supposed to judge this, when self-directed algorithms determine part of our lives and the human body is intersected by technologies? If you are online 24/7, are you still able to establish an emotional relationship in physical life?

In the exhibition Human = Non-Human, Kazerne intertwines hope and the power of design in works that envision the boundaries between the human and non-human. As an interface between maker, work, public, environment and/or time, the works are emphasizing the urgent task to propose alternative scenarios. By showing that also in collaboration with nature and from the joy of creating, suggestions might arise that could lead to transformation. And to let you become aware and feel that we are more than just ones and zeros, yet a component of a greater whole.

Intertwining hope & the power of design

Kazerne is on a mission to incrementally contribute to the development of a nature-inclusive society. Starting from an exploratory approach, and through the power of design, the organization aims to accelerate the transition from a parasitic into a symbiotic society. The question is always what could be the next hopeful step. With a responsible deployment of human and non-human capital, awareness of the entanglement of everything and everyone, and attention to emerging technologies as well as ancient crafts, indigenous theories, parallel perspectives and speeds.

Critical, also to ourselves and the works presented, we acknowledge the struggle in everyday reality, while calling for more radical choices. Away from linear and mono thinking and acting. Even in a more humble position, with nature as our ally, we can continue to create and consume. The harmony between humans and non-humans as a starting point offers hope and inspiration tackle the challenges of our time. By heart and head.

[ HUMAN = NON-HUMAN ]
Curator : Annemoon Geurts
Backdrop : Rive Roshan
Images : Ruud Balk


Featuring: 9+1 (Youichi Sakamoto, Yuko Sakamoto), Kiki Astner, Back to the Flax (Primo Arets, Guilain Delanoue, Mika Fuchs, Emeliet Grond, Filip Kubiny, Fabio Lucietto, Monique Colomb Simon, Elisabeth Teje Duis, Linde van Vlijmen, Lucas van Vuuren, Shell Yang), Emma Batsheva & Basia Pruszyńska, Aga Blonska, Candyconverters (Ida van Esch), Liselot Cobelens, Collective Paper Aesthetics (Noa Haim), Duncan Carter, EE Exclusives, Fabrikaat (Jatiwangi Art Factory, Etsuji Noguchi, ROEM instituut), Kai Lab (Sean Malikides), Ben van Kemenade, Will Laslett, Martens & Visser, Iris Nijenhuis, Phlox van Oppen, Teresa Pape, Relative Distance (Roland Ellis, Dev Joshi), Studio Roex (Nic Roex), Roots Foundation by Simone van Es (Piet Hein Eek, Machiel Hopman, Claudy Jongstra, Thomas Libertiny, Theo Rekelhof, Diana Scherer), Tom Schoonhoven, Lotte Wigman, Zheyuan Zhanng, Willem Zwiers

OUR THEME

For the < KAZERNE > during the Dutch Design Week 2024 exhibition in the Netherlands, we have expanded on last year's research by incorporating sustainable materials and advanced technology to reimagine and innovate traditional craftsmanship.

[ S o f t S i l e n c e ]

- Lightness in Tradition -

This project centers on the integration of traditional Japanese crafts and modern technology, specifically focusing on the craft of washi paper to develop a technique that evolves seamlessly over time. The process involves dripping the raw washi pulp using a plotter and transforming it into droplets that can be shaped and adjusted in thickness based on digital data. By merging technology with the 1,300-year-old tradition of washi-making, the project creates new textures and possibilities for this ancient craft.

- Material Lightness -

One of the raw materials for washi paper is kozo, which has long fibers allowing for the creation of thinner and lighter paper than standard pulp. This product proposal maximizes the characteristics of washi paper, suggesting a product that sways with the wind by the movement of people, forming a site-specific installation.
Additionally, the unique texture created by the plotter's droplets accentuates the gentle reflective properties of washi paper. washi paper is water-soluble, reusable, and environmentally friendly due to its low environmental impact.
We propose an installation that combines lightness in tradition with material lightness.