Material Culture and Transformative Change.
“Matter Moves Mind: Towards a New Material Culture” was curated by Ingrid Rügemer, co-founders of Anthrotopia, Culturesphere Gallery and former non-profit organisation Symbio(s)cene. The exhibition explores the reciprocal relationship between matter and mind and examines the potential of material culture in the context of transformative change:
The current global crises show that we need to fundamentally reconsider our ways of thinking and acting – both as individuals and as a society. In doing so, we must be aware that we do not act in isolation from the physical world. Our perceptions, emotions, social relationships, and even our bodies are shaped by the material environment that surrounds us, which in turn exerts a profound influence on our thoughts and actions. Hence, there is a reciprocal relationship between matter and mind, manifested in our material culture. The things we create and surround ourselves with go far beyond form and function—they embody and reflect how we think. Artists and designers have always contributed to shaping material culture, making them key actors in processes of transformative change.
Five artists — Martina Dempf, Emmanuel Heringer, Zena Holloway, Cara Murphy and Jochen Rueth — ignite inspiring impulses for a more sustainable material culture. With their approaches, methods and objects they challenge conventions, open future-oriented perspectives, and reveal how art can become a driver for regenerative thinking and making.
Matter Moves Mind Talk
The exhibition was accompanied by an online panel discussion with experts from Anthropology, Innovation Management and Design: Dr. Lora Koycheva, Prof. Dr. Giovanni Schiuma, Prof. Stuart Walker. Prof. Oliver Szasz hosted the panel talk.
