Superorganism

Tartu – the European Capital of Culture 2024 will host the Superorganism event comprised of an international exhibition, symposium and storybook, at the Aparaaditehas cultural center from 18 October until 23 November, 2024. Organized by the Magic Carpets platform, uniting 17 European cultural organizations, this multifaceted event delves into the concept of the superorganism and its implications for both individual and collective existence. Initially coined over a century ago to describe social insect colonies functioning as a unified entity, the term ‘superorganism’ has since expanded to encompass diverse biological systems like beehives, coral reefs, and even the human body with its intricate microbiome.

In the context of this event, Superorganism transcends its biological origins, representing a complex interplay of meanings and metaphors that resonate across sociological and philosophical discourse. It explores society as a living organism, a community striving for unity and harmony, while also questioning the impact of this collective existence on individuality. This tension between holism and individualism, central to the superorganism concept, raises profound ethical and political questions about balancing collective well-being with individual rights and responsibilities within broader ecosystems. Additionally, the superorganism concept offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of these symbiotic relationships, helping us address urgent environmental challenges through collective action.

Staying true to its title, the Superorganism event is unique in that it’s been curated by a team of 17 curators from 17 different European countries, mirroring the diversity and horizontal decision-making approach embedded within the “Magic Carpets” platform. The collaborative approach echoes the interdependent ethos in the superorganism concept, bringing together diverse perspectives to create a multifaceted experience. By embodying the values of Tartu 2024 – uniqueness, sustainability, awareness, and co-creation – the Superorganism event not only ignites contemplation about the complexities of the concept but also underscores its timely relevance in our interconnected world.

This composite exploration of the superorganism concept will manifest in an international exhibition, a one-day symposium, and a companion storybook. The exhibition will showcase diverse artworks by 25 emerging artists, who have participated in the Magic Carpets residencies in 2021-2024. Their works will range from photography and installations to performances and videos. Additionally, the Symposium in Three Acts will delve into the philosophical, social, and ecological dimensions of the superorganism concept. The storybook will vividly document the journey of artists, curators, and communities within the Magic Carpets residencies, reflecting on our time, space, and the art world. It will also record all artworks from the exhibition and the artistic projects created during the four years (2021-2024) of Magic Carpets.

Superorganism finds its home within the walls of Aparaaditehas, a former factory with a layered history. During the 70s, this labyrinthine complex served as a hidden site for manufacturing submarine parts, concealed by the production of umbrellas and zippers. Now transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, Aparaaditehas resonates with the event’s themes of transformation, interconnectedness, and collective creativity. From 18 October until 23 November 2024, the Aparaaditehas will house the Superorganism exhibition in various galleries and public spaces throughout the building, including Kogo Gallery, Balcony gallery, Fahrenheit 451 bookshop, AG47 gallery, Red Wall gallery, and corridor spaces, inviting visitors to explore a metaphoric superorganism and engage with artworks that delve into the dynamics of co-existence, sustainability, human rights, and the ongoing negotiation between unity and individuality.

The opening weekend of the Superorganism, 18-19 October 2024, will feature the opening of the exhibition as well as a one-day “Symposium in Three Acts”, further exploring the concept’s philosophical, social, and ecological dimensions through interactive workshops, discussions, and performances, inviting the audience to engage with the theme in a multi-sensory way. Thirteen distinguished speakers will offer their perspectives on the superorganism’s relevance in today’s world.

With the slogan “We are all a superorganism”, the event emphasizes our interconnectedness and shared responsibility for the future of our planet.

The concept of Superorganism was first introduced in the Magic Carpets platform in 2019 by partner LAB852 from Zagreb (Croatia).

Participating artists

Laura Adel (Poland)
Luca Bitchikashvilli / Lucrezia (Georgia)
Janko Bozovic (Serbia)
Mary Conroy (Ireland)
Thomas Durand (France)
Fernando Ferreira (Portugal)
Barbara Gryka (Poland)
Anica Huck (Germany/Italy)
Modesta Jakeliūnaitė (Lithuania)
Agata Konarska (Poland)
Gary Markle (Canada/Estonia)
Elīna Matvejeva (Latvia)
Morra Ceramics (Anastasia Vishynakova and Yana Guselnikova) (Ukraine)
Sunny Nwume (Nigeria/Italy)
Open Place (Yuriy Kruchak and Yulia Kostereva) (Ukraine)
Paprat Kolektiv (Iva Peručić and Maja Subotić) (Croatia)
Laura Põld (Estonia)
Pauline Rouet (France)
Sandro Sulaberidze (Georgia)
Berta Tilmantaitė (Lithuania)
Malin Tivenius (Sweden)
Siniša Tucić (Serbia)
Elena Urucatu (Romania)
Anna Zvyagintseva (Ukraine)

Magic Carpets is a Creative Europe platform led by Kaunas Biennial (Kaunas / Lithuania), uniting 17 European cultural organizations. The platform creates opportunities for emerging artists to embark on journeys into new countries and cultures and to create, through their residences together with local artists and local communities, new works that highlight local specificities. Their artworks not only create new narratives, but enhance cultural accessibility, cultural activism and participation.
www.magiccarpets.eu
www.superorganism.eu