Hydromedia: Seeing with Water at Technische Sammlungen Dresden (Technical Collections), 23.11.2024—16.3.2025.

Twelve artists have focused on water and used photographic and acoustic processes to create new perspectives and a new proximity to questions of ecology and climate change. For the works shown in the Hydromedia exhibition they use the existential element of water as a source of inspiration and a medium to work with. They deal with the perpetual but sensitive water cycle, the (endangered) diversity of life in bodies of water and at their borders, and the not always peaceful coexistence of water and humans.

The art works were developed in 2023 and 2024 during three site-specific work phases. As hosts, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, the Utrecht University of the Arts and the Karlsruhe University of Arts and Design have not only organized the artist residencies, but also symposia, excursions, workshops, local exhibitions and initiated an intensive exchange between the art world, the sciences, nature conservation and the general public. At the Technological Collections all three locations and the works of the twelve artists are coming together for the first time.

Workshops and lectures by artists and scientists give insights in the methods of artistic investigation and in recent scientific research on water in the era of global warming. Furthermore, the artists have written short instructions for their artistic water experiments, which the public can try out for themselves via distributed handouts as well as the Hydromedia publication.

Exhibition views by Sjoerd Knibbeler