We asked these, and other questions, in 2009 within our project WhatSpinoza? Baruch de Spinoza (1632-1677) studied political theory, mathematics and philosophy. In the Netherlands, his ideas about freedom, power and God, among other things, were considered dangerous, and he was expelled from the Jewish community and later from Amsterdam. His best-known work, the Ethics, had to be published anonymously.
In collaboration with writer and philosopher Dirk van Weelden, we drafted 16 questions and distributed them throughout Amsterdam and Turkish Kocaeli, then a sister community. Passersby were able to get involved in the discussion by sharing their thoughts via SMS. Some reactions were fierce; even 400 years after Spinoza, asking critical questions is a risk. WatSpinoza? in Turkije - Posters van het WatSpinoza? project in Turkije. 21 - 23 mei, Kocaeli
Mediamatic has been asking questions for 40 years now. Since 1984, we have been doing projects on social issues and taboos. Every month we look back at our program and highlight topics that are still relevant in 2024. We want to be able to ask questions and keep talking to each other.
Dog Dinner
Last year our Dog Dinners were a great success. A project with writer and philosopher Eva Meijer (UvA), in which we explored our coexistence with other species. All the dinners were sold out, because people love their dogs and love to share a special experience. Dog and human received the same treatment, the same menu and dinners were at low tables, no dogs on leashes.
In the Netherlands we eat more meat every year. Although in the Netherlands it is not forbidden to eat dog, it is much more common to eat a piece of chicken or cow. In some countries eating dog is more common, what we find normal or tasty seems to be partly a cultural matter. Is a future without animal meat inevitable? What we can all agree on is that eating humans is out of the question. Or can it?
Eating Humans
In 2019, we hosted a five-course dinner with Gwen van der Zwan, Krisztina Czika and Bryce Steba. With the premise of eating bodily substances, such as blood, skin and tears. The meal did not aim to shock, but mainly to be very tasty, while re-examining some self-evident things. There was a lot of attention in the media, and again there were strong reactions. Again, people were confronted with the careless way we normally consume animals.
Mediamatic ETEN
In our restaurant, we believe that plant-based sustainable gastronomy is the future. We believe that every ingredient has a story. We are inspired by the seasonality of ingredients, their textures and flavors and dishing up beautiful and festive food daily. Completely without Bio-industry. Welcome!
