Zoology was inspired by the historical Jardin Zoologique de Gand (1851-1904) and intended to examine the general dynamics of a zoo. In the exhibition space the artworks of 12 contemporary artists interacted with archival materials and various curiosities. Although it is impossible to imagine what life must have been like for animals in the Ghent zoo, we can reflect on our position and attitude towards non-human animals. Zoology was an initiative of the Liedts-Meesen Foundation and Benedict Vandaele in collaboration with GUM, KASKcinema, S.M.A.K. and Ghent University Library.

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ARTISTS

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Alexi Williams Wynn, Carsten Höller, Chaim van Luit, Filip Van Dingenen, Guy Slabbinck, Katleen Vinck, Maarten Vanden Eynde, Maya Zack, Nick Ervinck, Shikh Sabbir Alam, Tom Liekens and Wesley Meuris

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CURATOR

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Benedict Vandaele

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PRACTICAL

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Zoology 

22 April - 9 May 2021

Zebrastraat
Ghent 

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CATALOG

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The Zoology exhibition booklet contains a mix of reproductions of archival records, curiosities and artworks. The bilingual catalog (English/Dutch) also includes 5 essays that approach the dynamics of the zoo and our relation with non-human animals:  

 

'Everything has its price: the wondrous world of the zoo' by curator Benedict Vandaele

'Ghent Zoo, alias Société d'Histoire Naturelle de Gand' by historian Heidi Albrecht

'Ghent Zoo and the search for Betsie' by biologist Dominck Verschelde

'Looking at animals who look: against the tamed gaze' by cinephile Lennart Soberon

'Through the eyes of an animal: art allows humans to embrace their own animality' by art-writer Tamara Beheydt

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Dutch editing by Annelies Vantyghem
Translation into English by Helen Simpson

Graphic design by Jedidja Samyn 

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PANEL DISCUSSION 

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On Sunday 25 April 2021 an online talk was streamed through the Facebook page of Zebrastraat. 
 

Speakers: Wesley Meuris (artist), Filip Van Dingenen (artist) and Tomasz Rusek (policy manager EAZA)

Moderator: Tamara Beheydt (art-writer and journalist)

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ZOOLOGY AT KASKCINEMA

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Postponed to post exhibition moment 

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MEDIA 

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Reportage AVS - News

Reportage Radio 1 - Culture Club

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