Exhibition:

Kunstformen der Natur

Temporarily not on show

5 May 2018
18 Jun 2020

Ernst Haeckel's most beautiful bio-organisms in and around Mediamatic.

Ernst Haeckel was a 19th century evolutionary biologist, together with Adolf Giltsch he made fascinating lithographs of bio-organisms. Mediamatic collected all original lithographs and zooms in on the phenomenal creatures by enlarging them extremely. In and around Mediamatic you'll find  the illustrations pop up everywhere. 

 

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People inspect the Ernst Haeckel exibition in the Sluisdeurenloods - Giulia Menicucci

Catch Em All - the treasure hunt

Ernst Haeckel did some groundbreaking work in the world of biology. You can now step into his footsteps as a curious explorer of nature, plants and animals, and participate in our treasure hunt. Haeckel's new creatures are hiding all around Oosterdok. The Oosterdok is full of them. We ask you to set off on an expedition to explore the area and find them all. Be an adventurer, be a scientist, and identify those creatures. Download the game here

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Spotted 3.0 - Detail Tafel 23 - Cristatella. Bryozoa. – Moostiere. Giulia Menicucci

Kunstformen der Natur - signage

Reaching Mediamatic is currently a bit of an adventure due to construction works near the Oosterdok. Yet, we are not isolated on our island, and there are still several ways to reach us (see here). And Haeckel is helping us out! In collaborations with our neighbouring institutions, Haeckel illustrations are placed in and around the Oosterdok area in order to help you find your favourite locations.

Kunstformen der Natur - the book

Kunstformen der Natur was first published between 1899 and 1904. It is not just a book with illustrations; it is the 'summary of artist and sociologist Ernst Haeckel and his view of the world'. The book had a great influence on 20th century art, architecture and design, by bridging the gap between science and art. Art Nouveau artists in particular were influenced by Haeckel's sculptures, including René Binet, Karl Blossfeldt, Hans Christiansen and Émile Gallé.

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Open Sluisdeurenloods during Haeckel-exposition -

 

Information

Exhibition: Kunstformen der Natur in the BlackBarn at Dijksgracht 6
Mediamatic Biotoop, Dijksgracht 6, Amsterdam
Free access. Open during the Weekend. Open on request during the week.

Catch Em All: the treasure hunt
Available on our website and at the Mediamatic ETEN bar