Ursula Biemann
Thursday, 6 August
12:00 Mex – 13:00 EST – 10:00 PST— [19:00 South Africa]
Devenir University
The video projects of Ursula Biemann generally take a systemic approach to terrestrial conditions by connecting the micropolitics on the ground with a theoretical and planetary macro level. The main protagonist in her recent narratives is the figure of the indigenous scientist who emerges from a shared history of colonialism and the appearance of modern science. Her latest field research in the summer 2018 took her to the south of Colombia. At the invitation of an indigenous leader, she is currently involved in the co-creation of an indigenous university for cross-cultural knowledge generation. Grounded in an international partnership, the visionary project aims to integrate indigenous knowledge systems with occidental science and technologies, fostering a supportive biocentric worldview. The project also involves the creation of an online audiovisual platform on the process of "Devenir University".
Ursula Biemann is a researcher who creates video essays and texts that address the interconnection of politics and the environment across local, global and planetary contexts.
The conversation is moderated by Helena Chávez Mac Gregor, SOMA Summer Academic Director, and by Prishani Naidoo, Director of the Society, Work and Politics Institute (SWOP).