Exhibition: 'Water Systems & Artistic Practice'
The Art Research Fund is pleased to present 'Water Systems & Artistic Practice,' a multidisciplinary exhibition featuring new works by our current artists in residence. Opening on April 5, 2024, at the Geneva Contemporary Art Center, this exhibition showcases innovative artistic approaches to understanding, visualizing, and engaging with water ecosystems.
Exhibition Overview
Water is fundamental to all life on Earth, yet water systems are increasingly threatened by pollution, climate change, extraction, and development. How can artistic practice contribute to our understanding of these complex systems and the challenges they face?
This exhibition presents diverse artistic responses to this question, with works ranging from documentary photography and video to interactive installations, sound pieces, and speculative design. Each artist draws on their intensive research into specific water ecosystems—from urban waterways and alpine lakes to coastal zones and underground aquifers—developing new methods for engaging with these environments artistically.
Featured Artists and Works
Maria Rodriguez: Urban Waterways
A multimedia installation that traces the hidden waterways beneath Geneva, combining archival research, field recordings, and microbiological sampling to reveal the complex infrastructure that shapes urban water systems.
Ana Díaz: Microbial Dialogues
Large-scale digital prints and video installations visualizing the microbiological communities in Lake Geneva, created through a unique process of culturing water samples and documenting their growth through digital imaging.
Gustavo León: Ritual Waters
A performance-based installation exploring water as a medium for spiritual and ecological healing, incorporating elements from ancestral rituals and contemporary ecological research to create participatory experiences that connect audiences with water environments.
Public Program
The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of public events:
Opening Reception
Friday, April 5, 6-9pm
Geneva Contemporary Art Center
Free admission
Artist Talks
Saturday, April 6, 2-4pm
Join the artists for in-depth discussions of their research methods and artistic processes.
Water Systems Workshop
Saturday, April 20, 1-4pm
A participatory workshop led by Maria Rodriguez exploring methods for documenting and mapping local water systems.
Symposium: Art and Water Ecologies
Friday, May 3, 10am-5pm
A day-long symposium bringing together artists, scientists, and environmental activists to discuss artistic approaches to water research.
Visit the Exhibition
Dates: April 5 - May 25, 2024
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm
Location: Geneva Contemporary Art Center, 25 Rue des Arts, Geneva
Admission: Free
For more information or to arrange a guided tour, please contact exhibitions@artresearchfund.org.
This exhibition is made possible through support from the Geneva Cultural Office and the European Water Research Institute.