In this hands-on macro photography workshop, we will use our cameras to encounter the smallest living beings on the campus of Freie Universität Berlin – the insects. The results of these photographic observations will be presented in the Multispecies Campus exhibition on campus.

Many species that are crucial to the functioning of ecosystems elude our everyday gaze and do not conform to the widespread norms of aesthetics and sympathy (Liordos et al. 2017). The fact that this part of the biosphere is particularly worth protecting is not intuitively recognized by many people. Unfortunately, a particularly high proportion of species are endangered in species groups that are perceived as less charismatic (IUCN).

Human perception of the environment is strongly influenced by typical human behavioral patterns and habits (anthropocentric perspective). This leads, among other things, to smaller organisms receiving significantly less attention (taxonomic bias). They are perceived less, valued less, or not even considered living beings with intrinsic value. As a result, complex multispecies habitats, such as dead wood, are underestimated in their importance. Ultimately, however, our assessment of these living environments is primarily shaped by ignorance. Making them visible to people opens up the opportunity for a change of perspective.

In this seminar, we want to conduct interdisciplinary artistic field research on the campus of Freie Universität Berlin with its diverse habitats, such as dead wood and wild meadows. Participants will create artistic works on the topic and present them as part of an exhibition on campus. In addition to input from biologists at FU, participants will explore the world of soil life through macro-lens work in a photography workshop.

The seminar is a collaboration between the Berlin University of the Arts and the Multispecies Campus – a Living Lab for Biodiversity, Creativity, and Health at Freie Universität Berlin.

Link for more information about the Living Lab:
Multispecies Campus – FU Berlin

Attention! Limited number of participants: 10
Binding registration required by April 28, 2025: l.kuschel(at)udk-berlin.de

Requirements:

• Basic knowledge of photography
• Attendance at all sessions
• If you have your own photography equipment, please bring it to the course
• If you have a laptop, please bring it to the course

Schedule:

• Friday, May 30, 2025, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (FU Berlin Campus)
• Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (FU Berlin Campus)
• Friday, June 6, 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (UdK, GRU 129) – Postproduction & Exhibition Preparation
• Wednesday, July 2, 2025 – Exhibition Setup (FU Campus)
• Thursday, July 3, 2025 – Opening Reception (Vernissage)

Certificate: Without Certificate (Guest Seminar)

Location: Campus FU Berlin  / Medienhaus UdK Berlin