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After Dark: Ecological Futures

Still image from Miwa Matreyak's multimedia performance, Infinitely Yours
After Dark: Ecological Futures

There’s no question that humans are having a grave impact on our climate—or that artists, scientists, and advocates are reflecting on our changing world and building creative solutions. Tonight, look at that human impact through the meditative and immersive lens of artist Miwa Matreyek as she shares her kaleidoscopic, dreamlike multimedia performance Infinitely Yours (2019). Then, get hands-on with nature journaling and artwork, explore a garden of wind-powered sound sculptures, and learn how thinkers in the realms of science, design, and technology are encouraging deeper understanding of and empathy for the natural world.

Image: "No Logo," from Infinitely Yours


Infinitely Yours
7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Kanbar Forum

With Miwa Matreyek

Immerse yourself in an emotional, dreamlike meditation on climate catastrophe and the Anthropocene, this era in which humans have affected virtually every aspect of the world around us. Artist Miwa Matreyek is known for her multimedia performances in which layered projections interact with her shadow to create deeply emotional dreamscapes. In Infinitely Yours, she shape-shifts to experience human impact on the environment from various perspectives. Traversing landscapes overflowing with trash, joining a school of fish caught in a trawling net, or drowning in a sea of plastic, Miwa’s performance invites you to experience our changing world and reflect on what it might mean for life on this planet.

Miwa Matreyek is an animator, director, designer, and performer based in Vancouver. Coming from a background in animation by way of collage, she creates live, staged performances where she interacts with her animations as a shadow silhouette, at the intersection of cinematic and theatrical, fantastical and tangible, illusionistic, and physical.
 

Nature Journaling
6:30–9:30 p.m.
Osher Gallery 1: Human Phenomenon

With Wild Wonder

Take a moment to slow down, pay attention, and explore the myriad wonders of the natural world through nature journaling. This fun and powerful practice uses drawing and writing to help you notice more of the wonder and beauty that is always around you. Join naturalist and nature journaler Fiona Gillogly for a nature journaling demo in which she will share methods of inquiry to uncover new details and understanding of seemingly familiar nature items, the tools of the trade, and simple ways to add this practice to your life and share it with others. You’ll be able to try your hand at the process as we supply the necessary tools and a selection of familiar flora and fruit to inspire.

Fiona Clare Gillogly, age 19, is an avid birder, artist, nature journaler, and advocate for nature. She has taught classes and given talks on birding and nature journaling for organizations including Audubon California, the Exploratorium, and the San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory and her piece, “A Birder’s Brain on Paper: How keeping a nature journal improves our birding experiences” appeared in Birding magazine. You can see some examples of her nature journal pages at fionasongbird.com.

Sound Garden
6:00–10:00 p.m.
Gallery 5: Outdoor Exhibits

With Sudhu Tewari

Meander through a garden of wind-powered sound sculptures by artist Sudhu Tewari. You’ll discover several airy instruments that convert wind energy into acoustic energy and make sounds created by changes in atmospheric pressure. Take a meditative moment and listen to music composed by the wind.
 
Sudhu Tewari is an electro-acoustic composer, improviser, and tinkerer in sound, kinetic, and interactive art. He has performed improvised music in various configurations with the likes of Fred Frith, Cenk Ergun, Mark Bartscher, Tadashi Usami, Gunda Gottschalk, Eric Glick Rieman, and Shelley Burgon.
 

Tataki Zome
6:30–9:30 p.m.
Bechtel Gallery 3, Classroom 1606

With the Explainers

Also known as flower pounding or leaf bashing, tataki zome is the Japanese art of transferring the botanical dyes that naturally occur in flowers and leaves onto fabric by pressing them into the surface. Try your hand at this beautiful art form and create your own fabric piece to take home.
 

Use Less Car
6:00–9:00 p.m.

Public Plaza

Step inside a pedal powered “car” and truly feel how much power automobiles require. The Use Less Car is crafted from a 1971 VW Bug that has been fitted to operate without fossil fuel or electricity. Instead, the driver and passenger must pedal with all their might to propel the 900-pound car into motion. In creating this car, which moves at a “uselessly” slow speed, Eric Schmidt invites us to reflect on how much energy—energy that ultimately has deep impacts on the environment—is expended in the operation of a regular ol’ “useful” car and to think about how our own transportation choices affect the natural world.

Youth vs. Apocalypse
6:30–9:30 p.m.
Osher Gallery 1: Human Phenomenon

Youth vs. Apocalypse is a diverse group of young climate-justice activists working together to lift the voices of youth, in particular youth of color and working class youth. Their collective action fights for a livable climate and an equitable, sustainable, and just world. Learn more about the ways they are engaging young people as community leaders to advocate for change. 
 

Shuggie’s Trash Pie
6:30–9:30 p.m.
Osher Gallery 1: Human Phenomenon

Get up close and personal with upcycled ingredients, and learn why one person’s “trash” can transform into another person’s . . . pizza!
 
Shuggie’s is a climate-solutions restaurant and natural wine bar in San Francisco’s Mission District known for their seasonal pizzas and shared plates, all highlighting upcycled ingredients and sustainable proteins. 
 

DJ Dance Party
6:30–9:30 p.m.
Gordon and Betty Moore Gallery 4: Living Systems

With DJ Shellheart

Get ready to dance your way through the night as DJ Shellheart sets the vibe and keeps the party moving! 

DJ Shellheart has been making noise for the past nine years. As a Richmond, CA native, she has had her hands on turntables since a teen, and has a strong fan base in the hip-hop and LGBTQ communities. She has toured the world alongside Rexx Life Raj, Bas (Dreamville), Mr. Carmack, P-LO, Russ, and more. 
 


Food and drinks will be available for purchase at our Seaglass Restaurant and additional bar locations.

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