Xenophon: Making Odd: a Goat, a Bee, a Psyllid, Fungus, Knotweed and Me
by Siobhàn McGibbon
Plantkamer, Tuinkamer
Portal to where? Here, maybe. - Photographs by Tom Flanagan, Courtesy of Galway arts Centre 
Irish artist and researcher Dr. Siobhan McGibbon builds a fictional world to discover an alternative kinship with non-humans. In this fictive world, ‘Xenophon’, the beings (Xenothorpians) have the ability to mutate by merging with other species. In her pieces she becomes Xenothorpian by merging with with Japanese Knotweed and other beings that are put into conflict with each other by humans (goats and insects among others).
While you have a drink with us, you can even help us develop this exhibition further!
There's Not Much We Can Do
by Erica Monde
Haeckelkamer
When filmmaker Erica Monde was diagnosed with endometriosis, the growth of tissue similar to the uterine lining outside the uterus, she was told by doctors that there was not much they could do for her. In her film, she speaks about this experience, but also about how she learned that Japanese Knotweed is a remedy for the condition. This invasive plant is attacked with much greater urgency than many medical problems in female bodies. In her film, she takes you through her thoughts on body, biology, care, and control, and openly questions what we see as 'natural'.
Suspect: Japanese Knotweed
by Aromalab Team
Aromalab
We want to identify Japanese Knotweed (sometimes to eradicate it), but for many people, it's still difficult to recognize the plant. Visually, it's often mistaken for native species like bindweed and sorrel. However, each plant also develops a unique smell. Can you identify knotweed by its scent?
Fantastic Materials
Designlab Gerrit Rietveld Academy
Sluisdeurenloods
The philosophy of the exhibition is to merge product design with fiction, emphasizing the blend of narrative and materiality. Encouraging creative exploration across design disciplines to create a space where technical skills meet boundless imagination. The goal of the students is to invent an imaginary material that mirrors and impacts a narrative context and design cultural artifacts accordingly.