The Foragers: art and science project explores new relationships between humans and the environment
Brussels, 24 April 2026 - In times of ecological crisis and social uncertainty, how can we rethink our connection with the world around us? With "The Foragers: Engagements Beyond the Human", the Vrije Universiteit Brussel presents an interdisciplinary art and science project that puts foraging, the collection of edible or usable materials from the immediate environment, at the centre as a creative and ecological practice.
The exhibition runs from 24 April to 29 May 2026 at Pilar on the VUB campus and is part of a wider programme running until the end of 2027.
Foraging as contemporary practice
What was once a pure survival strategy takes on new meaning in The Foragers. The project approaches foraging as a way of dealing with our environment more slowly, consciously and carefully, and rethinking our place within a wider ecosystem.
At a time when cities are becoming more densely populated and digital life is accelerating, the exhibition invites visitors to pay renewed attention to what surrounds them, not only in nature, but also in often overlooked urban spaces.
Artworks from the immediate environment
The participating artists start from materials and traces they find in their surroundings: washed-up textiles, insect tracks, digital symbols and everyday objects.
These are incorporated into sculptures, installations, videos and drawings that reveal both the materials themselves and their broader social and ecological context. In this way, the exhibition connects small observations with larger questions around sustainability, care and connection.
Interdisciplinary collaboration at the VUB
The project is curated by artistic researcher Gosie Vervloessem, historian Benoît Henriet (VUB) and VUB Crosstalks. It is supported by the ERC FORAGENCY and the Chair Casterman-Hamers: History and Philosophy of Sciences, and realised in collaboration with Pilar.
With this project, the VUB underlines its commitment to cross-border research where art, science and social issues meet.
Participating artists
Featuring work by Anima O. Cassamajor, Annelotte Lammertse, Aïcha Ouattara, Amber Vanluffelen, Camille Dufour, Chloé Clément, Delphine Somers, Elli Vassalou, Ernst Maréchal, Federico Protto, Jori(k) A. Galama, Maliza Kiasuwa, Marjolijn Dijkman, Mathias Mu, Nele Möller, Pedro Riofrio, Samah Hijawi, Soukaïna Aziz El Idrissi and Tim Theo Deceuninck.
Practical
24 April - 29 May 2026 Daily from 14:00 to 20:00 Pilar - VUB Campus Etterbeek, Boulevard du Triomphe, 1050 Brussels
Contact
Ine De Bock Communication officer VUB Crosstalks Fellowship Office Vicerectorate Innovation & Industry Relation Ine.De.Bock@vub.be +32 (0)477 60 20 35
Tineke Sonck
