Arts Centre Vooruit, Ghent, Belgium

Natalie Jeremijenko is a multi-talented artist and scientist. She trained in Australia and the States as a scientific researcher in biochemistry, physics, and neuroscience and obtained a PhD in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. Aided by new technology, human interaction, and biochemistry she develops artistic projects in which she looks for sociological and technological changes that can solve environmental issues. Jeremijenko wants to involve people in the environment again and stimulate them to take collective action. She has exhibited her work in leading museums such as the Guggenheim and the Whitney in New York. She’s currently the director of the Environmental Health Clinic, a lab in New York where she conducts research and sets up projects.

With her Environmental Health Clinic she strives to improve the health of her patients by tackling environmental factors. Just like in an ordinary hospital, you come in for a consultation, but instead of walking out with a prescription, you will be referred to local environmental movements, local authorities or clubs. The hospital then organizes concrete actions to improve the environmental factors in your neighbourhood.

At the game is up Jeremijenko will be available for consultation, so Vooruit visitors will get the chance to resolve issues in their surroundings. Please sign up here: nynke(at)vooruit(dot)be (attention: places limited).

At the opening reception of the game is up Jeremijenko will serve the guests cross-species appetizers, which can be eaten and appreciated by both man and animal. “The idea that we can eat the same food is visceral proof that we live in the same ecosystem. Eating together is the most intimate form of kinship. By sharing our food, we stress the interrelation between man and animal.” Jeremijenko is currently working on a cross-species cookbook with Dutch food artist Debra Solomon.

Apart from teaching at NYU and her work at the Health Clinic, Jeremijenko also produces pieces of art, installations, interventions and art projects. One of her projects is to place hundreds of buoys in the Hudson River that would light up when fish swim through them. Through the sewers, these fish absorb the remnants of the tonnes of antidepressants swallowed by New Yorkers each day. When the buoys light up, you can feed the fish with special food that clears their blood of these toxins.

At the Tickle your catastrophe conference Jeremijenko will give a lecture on her work.