Metamorphosis – Reading Group

Limited number of participants!

Drawing inspiration from insects, microbes and plants, the reading group creates a space for a collective reflection on metamorphosis, radical transformations, mutations and collective change. As a group to read together, share perspectives and exchange knowledge in the ongoing ecological, climate and social crisis. Texts from a diversity of fields and genres – such as science fiction, poetry, philosophy, natural sciences, anthropology and arts – open a critical zone for discussions on biocultural diversities, interdependencies and multi-species relationships in more-than-human ecologies. 

In this session we are discussing Maria Sibylla Merian's modes of drawing together relationships between butterflies, plants and humans, London Schiebinger's examination of »the movement, mixing, triumph, and extinction of different knowledges« and the ongoing task to decolonize science. 

Digital requirements: internet access, video conferencing capability (computer camera and microphone). The guided tour will be hosted on zoom. We will send you the Zoom link shortly before the workshop begins.

Readings: Excerpts from »Metamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium« by Maria Sibylla Merian (1705), »Plants and Empires« by Londa Schiebinger (2004) and article from »entomology today«, Kehinde Kemabonta, Jessica Ware et.al. (2021)