[Academy Lectures 2014.10.01]

Abstract

An illustrated talk that surveys the entanglements of scientific and aesthetic operations within processes of imperial expansion, knowledge-formation and the pursuit of collecting “the World as Image” in the nineteenth century.

The research project «Double Lives» charts unorthodox figures whose practices straddled the line between art and science, unleashing a certain ambivalence between the observer and the world as material under observation. This project was presented as a part of the 8th Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art.

Natasha Ginwala is an independent curator, researcher and writer. She was a member of the artistic team at the 8th Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art (2014). Her recent work includes the multi-part curatorial project «Landings» (with Vivian Ziherl) presented at Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art, David Roberts Art Foundation, NGBK (as part of the Tagore, Pedagogy and Contemporary Visual Cultures Network), Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and other partner organizations, 2013-ongoing, as well as «The Museum of Rhythm» at Taipei Biennial 2012 (with Anselm Franke).

Ginwala has contributed to several publications including Afterall Online, Art Agenda, C Magazine, e-flux Journal, Pages Magazine and Scapegoat Journal. She is currently curator-in-residence at Hordaland Kunstsenter, Bergen.