About the exhibition

“Superorganism” is an international exhibition curated by 8 emerging and professional curator’s team from different European countries merged by Magic Carpets platform. It delves into the concept of the superorganism, a term originally coined to describe social insect colonies functioning as a unified entity. The exhibition expands this concept to encompass diverse biological systems and explores its broader implications for society and the environment.

Within the context of the exhibition, the superorganism represents multiple layers of meaning and metaphors. It embodies a utopian ideal of unity and harmony within a community, while also raising questions about the impact of collective existence on individuality. The exhibition reflects on the values of Tartu – the European Capital of Culture 2024—uniqueness, sustainability, awareness, and co-creation—and invites viewers to consider a shared ground of collective existence.

The exhibition showcases diverse artworks by 25 emerging artists, who have participated in the “Magic Carpets” residencies in 2021-2024, organized by “Magic Carpets” partners across 17 different European countries. Their works will range from photography and installations to performances and videos. Additionally, the exhibition will include documentation materials representing the results of approximately 150 other residencies.

Housed in the “Aparaaditehas” cultural center, a former factory transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, the exhibition invites visitors to explore a metaphorical superorganism. The artworks will be displayed in various galleries and public spaces throughout the building, including Kogo gallery, TYPA Balcony gallery, Fahrenheit 451 bookshop, AG47 gallery, Red Wall gallery, Sofa Office and other public spaces, creating an immersive experience that encourages reflection on co-existence, sustainability, unity, and individuality.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

“Superorganism” prompts viewers to contemplate the complexities and challenges of our interconnected world. It acknowledges the problems caused by human actions and highlights the importance of recognizing the diverse shapes and parts that make up our interconnected systems. In a time of global challenges, the exhibition encourages us to learn from the utopian concept of the superorganism and envision a better future through unity and collective action.

Artists list: 

• Laura Adel (Poland)
• Luca Bitchikashvilli / Lucrezia (Georgia)
• Janko Bozovic (Serbia)
• Carmen Brucic (Austria)
• Mary Conroy (Ireland)
• Thomas Durand (France)
• Fernando Ferreira (Portugal)
• Barbara Gryka (Poland)
• Anica Huck (Germany / Italy)
• Modesta Jakeliūnaitė (Lithuania)
• Agata Konarska (Poland)
• Vita Malahova (Latvia / Switzerland)
• Gary Markle (Canada / Estonia)
• Elīna Matvejeva (Latvia)
• Morra Ceramics (Anastasia Vishynakova and Yana Guselnikova) (Ukraine)
• Sunny Nwume (Nigeria / Italy)
• Open Place (Yuriy Kruchak and Yulia Kostereva) (Ukraine)
• Paprat Kolektiv (Iva Peručić and Maja Subotić) (Croatia)
• Laura Põld (Estonia)
• Pauline Rouet (France)
• Sandro Sulaberidze (Georgia)
• Berta Tilmantaitė (Lithuania)
• Malin Tivenius (Sweden)
• Siniša Tucić (Serbia)
• Elena Urucatu (Romania)
• Anna Zvyagintseva (Ukraine)

Team of exhibition curators: 

• Sara Dedić (Serbia)
• Paulina Brelińska-Garsztka (Poland)
• Ana Gabelaia (Georgia)
• Anna Gaidai (Ukraine)
• Josselin Couteau (France)
• Cláudia Melo (Portugal) 
• Brigita Bareikytė (Lithuania, Team leader) 
• Lewis Biggs (UK, Mentor of the team)