Artistic Research Project: Matter, Gesture and Soul
Encounters between contemporary art and prehistory
Matter Gesture and Soul
An interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary artistic research project (initiated in October 2019) that explores and investigates various encounters and alignments between contemporary art and archaeology. The project is centered around two geographical hubs: Fontainebleau in France and the Blombos Cave in South Africa.
• The primary goal is to create autonomous and collaborative artistic, poetic, and scientific responses to prehistoric art and its contemporary interpretations. The project aims to foster a deeper understanding of both contemporary and prehistoric artistic expressions, as well as the human condition in these respective eras. Participating artists and scientists will develop independent projects while also engaging in workshops, seminars, and collaborative artistic and scientific endeavors.
• The secondary goal of Matter, Gesture and Soul is to establish an international, research network at the University of Bergen, enhancing expertise in transdisciplinary artistic and scientific collaborations, with art as the central driving force.
The project is generously supported by Norwegian Artistic Research Programme (NARP), Art Academy, Faculty of Art, Music and Design, The University of Bergen, and Global Challenges (UiB).