Material Culture and Transformative Change
Ingrid Rügemer, co-founder of Anthrotopia and one of the founding partners of Culturesphere, curated the exhibition “AWARÉ – Objects of Human–Nature Dialogue,” which presents the internationally acclaimed works of Sylvia Eustache Rools and Jérôme Pereira for the first time in Germany.
The exhibition featured sculptural and textile works by the French duo, who collaborate under the name Awaré. The term Awaré refers to the English word aware, meaning to be conscious and attentive, and is also derived from the Japanese expression mono no aware, a concept that captures both the joy of ephemeral beauty and the acceptance of transience in all things.
Sylvia Eustache Rools and Jérôme Pereira share a profound fascination with geology and a sensitivity to the aesthetics of natural processes of change. Sylvia’s textile works explore the phenomena of oxidation; through her multi-layered techniques, she creates chromatic landscapes that blur the boundaries between artefact and nature. Jérôme unites a scientific understanding, rooted in his studies in physics and geophysics, with a poetic sensitivity to matter and the forces of nature, shaping rough yet graceful wooden sculptures.
As a duo, they create sculptural artefacts that embody an inspiring dialogue between natural transformation and human craftsmanship. Their unique works also reflect the constructive collaboration of two artistic personalities who, through their individual approaches and materials, explore porous boundaries and forge new connections.
Given the urgent environmental and social challenges our world faces, it has become increasingly clear that we need new narratives—ones that can inspire positive change and drive sustainable transformation. Such narratives can help shift our collective mindset from hopelessness and apathy toward optimism and participation. Crucially, participation requires communication and dialogue. Successful dialogue, in turn, depends on attentive listening, empathy, and an appreciation of diverse perspectives.
The works of Awaré express precisely this human–nature dialogue—one that acknowledges the reciprocity between different entities. Their art invites reflection on our relationship with the natural world and highlights the importance of acting in partnership and connectedness.
This exhibition was accompanied by the online panel talk: “Towards an Ecological Turn in Design”, 10 May 2023, 15:00 – 18:00 (CEST). For more information, please click the button below.
