What you will do
In this workshop you will be introduced to the artistic movement and science-fiction subgenre “speculative evolution”, a movement that unites fantasy and science to imagine new species. During the workshop, Silke will share about her own experience with “speculative evolution” and how it changed not only her artistic practice but her view on the world and its future, helping her tackle her climate anxiety. Together, you will go on an “archaeological dig of the mind”, searching for your own aquatic speculative species to bring to life. Is it a plant, animal, bacteria, or perhaps something from a so far undiscovered kingdom? What environment does it thrive in, and how has it adapted to this? Could it exist on contemporary
Earth, or has climate change, meteor showers, or intergalactic activities paved the way for this particular evolution?
This will be the foundation from which you start researching and visualising through your preferred medium available in the workshop, such as collage, drawing, writing, clay sculpting, or a combination of these. We recommend bringing a phone or laptop to be able to research (or write, if you prefer keyboard over pen and paper), but there will also be inspirational books from Silke’s own collection available to browse. By the end of the workshop, each participant presents their speculative species, sharing their thought process and findings during the workshop. Each species will then be documented and become part of a growing speculative evolution archive* available on Silke’s website, which by 2026 will be printed as a zine, showcasing a collective zoology of workshop speculation.
*It is not a requirement of the workshop to share your work in the archive, and it will only be included if consented after participating in the workshop. If consented, your work will be fully credited to you.
Silke Riis producing her installation work "Some Breathe Through Their Butts" -
Silke Riis
Tickets
Full price: 26€| *Discount price: 20€
*We give a discount to students, artists and Stadspas holders. If this applies to you we might ask to see your kvk nr/portfolio or student card for this option.
Information & Warnings
Time: 15:00 - 17:30
Attendance is limited to 15 people. We maintain a minimum of 6 participants.
Please note that this workshop will be held in English.
For questions please e-mail workshop@mediamatic.nl.
Read our ticket terms and conditions here.
