“Superorganism” Opens in Tartu with Exhibition, Symposium, and Storybook

The international exhibition and symposium “Superorganism” opened on October 18, 2024, at the Cultural and Creative Center Aparaaditehas in Tartu, Estonia. The event, which is part of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 program, explores the concept of the superorganism through a variety of perspectives, including biology, ecology, philosophy, and art.

The opening weekend featured a range of events, including a collaborative rug-weaving experience led by artist Fernando P. Ferreira, performances by Janko Bozovic, Thomas Durand, Pauline Rouet, Gary Markle, Anica Huck, and Luca Bitchikashvilli-Lucrezia, and a concert by Ben Wheeler. These events served as an introduction to the thought-provoking exhibition, setting the stage for deeper exploration of the superorganism concept.

The “Superorganism” exhibition features works by 25 emerging artists who participated in the “Magic Carpets” residencies in 2021-2024. The exhibition will be open until November 23, 2024, and occupies various galleries and public spaces throughout the Aparaaditehas building.

Complementing the exhibition is the Storybook that narrates the transformative journey of the artists, curators, and communities involved in the “Magic Carpets” residencies. The storybook explores themes of creativity, collaboration, and community, and celebrates the power of art to connect, transform, and inspire.

The symposium, titled “Symposium in Three Acts”, brought together international speakers from various fields to discuss the concept of the superorganism in the contemporary world. The symposium featured presentations, discussions, and creative workshop, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness within and between societies, mirroring the themes explored in the exhibition itself.

The exhibition, symposium, and storybook are the culmination of the “Magic Carpets” platform, a Creative Europe project led by the Kaunas Biennial. The platform unites 17 European cultural organizations and provides opportunities for emerging artists to participate in residencies and create new works of art.

The “Superorganism” exhibition is open to the public and runs until November 23, 2024, at the Cultural and Creative Center Aparaaditehas in Tartu, Estonia.