BERLIN.- From September 14, 2024, to January 5, 2025, the Kunstgewerbemuseum in Berlin hosts Lygophilia. Aquatic Life, an innovative exhibition that is part of the museum's "More than Human" platform. This event showcases the first solo museum exhibition in Germany by Slovenian artist Robertina Šebjanič, in collaboration with the Slovenian Cultural Center SKICA in Berlin.

A Deep Dive into Aquatic Wonders

Robertina Šebjanič’s exhibition presents a captivating blend of art and scientific research, originating in Mexico in 2017 and later evolving in Slovenia. The centerpiece of the exhibition is her multimedia installation, which includes Lygophilia _ Neotenous Dark Dwellers, the video essay Lygophilia _ Piscis Ludicrous / Transfixed Gaze, and the sound composition Lygophilia _ Dark Drops. These works explore the mysteries of two unique aquatic creatures: the Mexican axolotl and the Slovenian proteus. Through her work, Šebjanič invites visitors to rethink their perceptions of biology and evolution, using these creatures as a lens to view adaptation, resilience, and the myriad forms of intelligence that thrive on Earth.

Creatures of Myth and Science

The axolotl and the proteus are more than mere subjects of scientific curiosity—they are living symbols of adaptation and endurance. Both species are aquatic salamanders known for their longevity and remarkable regenerative abilities. Unlike most organisms, they retain their juvenile characteristics even in adulthood, a phenomenon known as neoteny. These traits have made them the focus of cutting-edge scientific research, while also rendering them vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss and environmental changes.

In Lygophilia, these creatures are celebrated not only for their biological uniqueness but also for their cultural significance. The axolotl holds a revered place in Mexican heritage, while the proteus is a symbol of Slovenian folklore. They embody ancient myths and legends, representing the deep connection between humans and their natural environment. Yet, they are also reminders of the fragility of life in the face of modern ecological threats.

A Journey Through the 'Wunderkammer'

At the heart of the exhibition is Lygophilia _ Neotenous Dark Dwellers, where Šebjanič uses two transparent, mobile chambers reminiscent of traditional natural history museum vitrines, incubators, or glass laboratories. These chambers contain an eclectic mix of objects—scientific drawings, glass artifacts, lab equipment, and other found items—inviting visitors to delve into the mysterious, dark world of the axolotl and proteus. The immersive installation blends science and art, creating a space where ancient myths intersect with cutting-edge research, fostering an environment for contemplation and discovery.

Šebjanič’s work also engages with the Kunstgewerbemuseum’s collection through the intervention Wunderkammer #3. In this space, artifacts from various materials, time periods, and origins are recontextualized alongside her installation. The result is a series of new narratives that bridge historical curiosity cabinets with contemporary questions about nature, evolution, and humanity’s role in shaping the world.

Reflecting on Ecological Change and Empathy

The video essay Lygophilia _ Piscis Ludicrous / Transfixed Gaze delves deeper into the story of the Mexican axolotl, exploring its past, present, and uncertain future. Through multiple lenses, the work examines the axolotl as an endangered species, a subject of scientific fascination due to its regenerative abilities, and a cultural icon that connects biopolitical and decolonial themes. Šebjanič raises thought-provoking questions: How can we recognize the ecological needs of other species in an era defined by "dark ecology," a term coined by philosopher Timothy Morton? Her work challenges the audience to consider the interplay between myth and scientific reality, urging a deeper understanding of the coexistence between human and non-human life.

Šebjanič's approach is not just a celebration of aquatic life—it is also a call for greater empathy and respect for the natural world. Her art invites us to look beyond our own perspectives and recognize the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.

An Artist Bridging Worlds

Robertina Šebjanič has built a reputation for exploring the biological, chemical, geopolitical, and cultural realities of aquatic environments. Her projects often focus on the impact of human activity on marine life, advocating for empathy-driven strategies that honor the existence of other (non-human) organisms. In her analysis of the Anthropocene—a concept that highlights humanity's profound impact on the Earth—she introduces the terms "Aquatozän" and "aquaforming." These concepts underscore the ways in which human actions reshape marine ecosystems, urging a critical reflection on our role in the natural world.

Šebjanič’s work challenges traditional narratives, pushing viewers to confront the consequences of environmental changes and to imagine new ways of living alongside other species. Her exhibition at the Kunstgewerbemuseum is a testament to her ability to blend art and science, creating experiences that are as intellectually stimulating as they are visually captivating.

A Must-See for Art and Science Enthusiasts

Lygophilia. Aquatic Life offers a unique opportunity to explore the connections between nature, culture, and scientific discovery. As part of the "More than Human" platform, this exhibition emphasizes the importance of looking beyond human perspectives to appreciate the diversity of life on Earth. Whether you are drawn to the mythological allure of the axolotl and proteus or intrigued by the scientific insights into their extraordinary biology, this exhibition promises to be an enriching experience.

Running until January 5, 2025, at the Kunstgewerbemuseum in Berlin, Robertina Šebjanič’s Lygophilia is a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and preservation in a world undergoing constant change.