The prominent Australian performance artist and honorary professor Stelarc will soon perform in Twente. On Thursday May 24, he will be visiting DesignLab University of Twente to talk about merging man and technology. After the lecture, Stelarc and two professors of the University of Twente will hold a discussion with the audience about the scientific, social, and ethical implications of wearable robotics.
Stelarc investigates the psychological and physical limitations of the human body. He believes that the human body has aged conceptually and biologically. “Our body should adapt itself to technology and machines, and not the other way around,” he says.
His own body represents that vision. Through the years, Stelarc subjected himself to all kinds of surgical procedures. To give an example: he let an ear grow in his arm, and with the use of a miniature microphone and an Internet connection, people will be able to 'listen in' 24 hours a day, all across the world. With his experiments and performances – in which he uses, among other things, robotics, biotechnology, and medical instruments – Stelarc has built up an international reputation.
Program
Frank Kresin (Managing Director DesignLab) will kick off the program on May 24, after which Stelarc will take the stage.
After the lecture and a short break, the program continues with the open discussion in which Stelarc, Herman van der Kooij (Professor in Biomechatronics & Rehabilitation Technology and Director of Wearable Robotics Lab University of Twente) and Peter-Paul Verbeek (Professor of Philosophy of Technology and Scientific Co-director DesignLab) take part. Under the guidance of moderator Wilja Jurg (director of Tetem), they and the audience will explore the world of wearable robotics.
This event is free of charge, and takes place between 16:00 and 19:00 hours in DesignLab. Doors will open at 15:45 hours. If you want to attend this event, please register by sending an email to receptie@tetem.nl.
The lecture and discussion are organized as part of Stelarc's exhibition StickMan, which can be admired from May 17 through August 19 in the Tetem Art Space in Enschede.
merging MAN AND TECHNOLOGY
Lecture and discussion
Thursday May 24
16:00 – 19:00 (doors open at 15:45)
Free entrance. Register via receptie@tetem.nl
For parking: from the Campus Entrance, follow the signs to P3.
