Introducing, Invisible Matters, a programme that illuminated the unseen and negative forces affecting urban nature which offers a unique experience that is tangible and immersive. The opening of the exhibition was held on the 20th of December 2024 at Transnatural, where some of the exhibited works slowly spread itself across the city of Amsterdam.

It is known that the impact of urbanization brings great harm towards the natural environment. Consequently, due to centuries of anthropogenic acts, much urban life, above and below ground, has been severely damaged or disappeared. As a result, questions arise whether and how we could respond better to change while simultaneously limit damage to nature districts in cities?

Designers, artists, and experts are developing a few bodies of work and activities in the public spaces of the Erasmuspark, Amstelpark, and at the Marineterrein. The exhibition works varied from observing the role of fungi and bacteria, the wellbeing of city trees and exploring its root systems, to diving into the realm of ecological AI. Furthermore, artists made an active contribution by neutralising soil acidification, reintroducing extinct native plants and improving the habitat of (endangered) urban animals.

AR/VR experiences, co-creation moments and workshops are organised around the works. This creates a rich exchange with the public, residents, and young people. A discussion evening in Pakhuis de Zwijger concludes the programme.

Participants:
a.o. Fillip studios & Omlab (NL) / Elmo Vermijs & Richard Vijgen (NL) / / Ringailė Demšytė (LV) / Superflux (UK) / Annelie Berner (DK) / Valentine Maurice (FR), Carlos Sfeir, Soyoun Shin & Bianca Schick / Huachen Xin (CH)

Curated by:
Arjen Bangma

Opening hours:
Date of opening: Friday 20th of December 2024
Open: Tuesday—Friday from 10am- 5pm
Saturday 1pm – 5pm (also open on Sat 21 Dec and 28 Dec)
Closed: 24 Dec to 27 Dec 2024 and 31 Dec to 5 Jan 2025 (due to holidays and New Year)

Location:
Transnatural, Jan van Galenstraat 125 bg, Amsterdam

Supported by:
Transnatural Label, Stimuleringsfonds Creative Industrie, Amsterdams Fonds voor de Kunst, Cultuurfonds, Mondriaan fonds