"Every organism is looking for another organism to survive, the same applies to man and chicken" Koen Vanmechelen
The Open University of Diversity (OpUnDi) is an intellectual space unifying the three projects of Koen Vanmechelen; The Cosmopolitan Chicken, The Walking Egg and the CosmoGolem. It is a think tank, a meeting place for people to discuss the core themes that are found in Koen Vanmechelen’s work: biological and cultural diversity, identity, hybridism and other scientific, political, philosophical and ethical issues. It is a global network of innovative minds and thinkers, a space for intellectual cross-pollination, a breeding place where innovative ideas find space to hatch. And the OpUnDi is always on the move, just as Koen Vanmechelen.
Open university of diversity photo gallery
Open university of diversity news
Private view - Open University of Diversity - 29.01
On the 29th of January artist Koen Vanmechelen presented his latest project; the Open University of Diversity to a select audience during a private view. There was a great crowd; as you can see in the gallery space. We wish to thank everyone who participated and made this day a day to remember. For this occasion; the artist also asked people from different domains to express their opinion on diversity; you can find the result on our you tube channel. Finally, have a look at the press section for some interviews with the artist himself.
Art curated by Peter Noever
Art curated by Peter Noever is a video made by this international curator for the Private view of the Open University of Diversity on the 29th of January. For this occasion, artist Koen Vanmechelen asked different people to share their vision on diversity. What does the core theme of Vanmechelen's work mean to them? Find out Peter Noever's response on his website; and look out for the other video's.
'Nato a Venezia - OpUnDi' - Creativity World Forum
For the Creativity World Forum 2011, Koen Vanmechelen presents ‘Nato a Venezia’, an installation based on his expo at the 54th Biennial of Venice.
This ‘laboratory’, under the patronage of the ‘Open University of Diversity’, continues Vanmechelen’s research on the borderline between art and science. In collaboration with scientists from different fields (Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Science of Hasselt University) he launches an ‘open study’ on biocultural diversity.
While the visitors participate in three different studies, they are confronted with a 8-m high projection of the latest ‘Cosmopolitan chicken’. A crossbreed born during the Biennial, named the ‘Mechelse Fayoumi’ (CCP15). As a modern dinosaur, this hybrid powerfully stares into the distance. Born in Venice, ready for the world. And the future.
Already over 5000 participants to the 'Nato a Venezia' study on biocultural diversity
Since June, Koen Vanmechelen has been presenting a 'laboratory' on the borderline of art and science at the 54rd biennial of Venice. Inside the walls of one of the main centers of Venetian culture and knowledge, visitors are invited to join in on an open study on biological and cultural diversity. Now, almost four months later, already more than 5000 visitors have participated in these research projects.
You can still visit the expo at the biennial, just until the 27th of November.
'Nato a Venezia'
The Open University of Diversity
54rd biennial of Venice, Italy
For practical details, visit the website of the expo.
For other articles, go to archive
Open university of diversity agenda
Born in Venice - Open University of Diversity a contemporary manifestation on the borderline of art and science Istituto Veneto di Scienze Letter...
Nato a Venezia Voorstelling van ‘Open University of Diversity’ Kunstinstallatie Koen Vanmechelen ...
Creativity World Forum is a two day congres with workshops and inspiring speakers like a.o. Jimmy Wales (founder wikipedia), Malcolm Gladwell, Sc...
In collaboration with the University of Hasselt, visitors of the Pukkelpop-festival will be invited to take part in one of the studies that is currently running in Venice during the solo expo 'Nato a Venezia' in the 54th biennial. This study aims to link phenotypical diversity with genetic diversity. Come and let your picture taken at the UHasselt stand and learn more about the study and OpUnDi.
During the Open Heritage Days (Open Monumentendagen) on 9, 10 and 11 September, the site of the former Gelatine Factory in Hasselt willl host a free new art event: Alternate Current. For three days professional art organizations, studios, workshops, and independent artists form the European region of Maastricht, Aachen and Hasselt will be plugged into the same electrical current.
During these three days, visitors also have a chance to visit 'the Open University of Diversity', Koen Vanmechelen's studio at the gelatine.
For the Creativity World Forum 2011, Koen Vanmechelen presents ‘Nato a Venezia’, an installation based on his expo at the 54th Biennial of Venice.
