Artist debate on human migration: University Maastricht, 20.03.2008
Is human migration a threat or a blessing? How do we respond to the cross-border migration of people? And what about the social and cultural acceptation of the newcomers? The Belgian cross-medial artist Mark Swysen confronts the audience with a mixture of opinions and goes into a discussion with supporters of different viewpoints. Double-locked borders as well as open-armed hospitality are taken into consideration together with some more temperate stands.
Participants are invited to walk through an interactive installation in steel and glass. Continuing along the acquainted roads, one runs aground unto his own reflection. By stepping out of the obvious, taking a mental turn and making the effort to climb the turning staircase, different points of view are offered. At the end of the stairways, the last treads are lacking and it does take some courage to jump into the vacuum. But there awaits a new freedom of mind.
The issue of migration is being presented from 5 different points of view. The artist makes use of the psychological research on “human dynamics” by Seagal & Horne. Approximately 60 % of any Western population has an emotional subjective approach, based upon his own experiences: pro or contra migration. Furthermore an emotional objective view, a very factual analysis and a longtermvision based op Darwins evolutionary theory are proposed. Any participant chooses 1 position, that he feels strongly about or adds an original opinion as food for discussion.
Artist talk on creativity: MuHKA, Antwerp 22.11.2007
The development of Western trade and industry is slowed down by an extremely high cost of labour. The local Flemish government amongst others is therefore emphasizing on the importance of innovation and technical research as a main instrument in the fight for a viable position in the global economic competition. If artists show more talent for inventivity and creativity than the average human being, couldn't economy put this quality to use?
Ernest Van Buynder (chairman MuHKA) introduces Ivo Van Vaerenbergh, Julie Vandenbroucke and Mark Swysen
"Human rights or survival of the strongest?"
The behaviour of human beings may appear to be schizofrenic. There is a strong call for compassion and the appliciation of human rights for the weaker ones. Yet news items strongly suggest a mere Darwinistic struggle for survival where the strongest kill the weaker ones for their own physical benefit.
Artist Mark Swysen elaborates on the area of tension between these two opposite goals.
