Events
UK Events
Palm House, Kew Gardens, London
Chris Watson: Whispering in the Leaves
Saturday 29 May 2010 – Sunday 5 September 2010
Sound artist, musician and Pestival collaborator Chris Watson's extraordinary sound installation, Whispering in the Leaves, currently resides at London's Kew Gardens. Be prepared to be transported to the jungle where the insect sounds are deafening. Alongside the installation, a programme of special performances, workshops, guided tours and talks gives you the chance to find out more about sound, the environment and biodiversity.
The Point, 602 Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes
The Magical Menagerie
Friday 16 July 2010 – Sunday 8 August 2010
François Delarozière and his company La Machine present The Magical Menagerie, as one of the centrepieces of the IF: Milton Keynes International Festival. Imagine a huge, square carousel, as tall as a house and populated by all manner of strange mechanical creatures that can be operated by their riders, from gigantic buffalo to exotic fish and brightly-coloured insects. Delarozière also designed the incredible 60ft spider La Princesse in Liverpool in 2008.
University of Manchester
Neurofly 2010
Wednesday 1 September 2010 – Sunday 5 September 2010
Neurofly 2010 is the 13th European Drosophila Neurobiology Conference at the University of Manchester, co-organised by Pestival friend and blogger Matthew Cobb. Sessions include: learning and behaviour, synapse and circuit formation, sensory systems, and fly models for neuronal disease.
International Events
Racine Art Museum, 441 Main Street, Racine, Wisconsin
Summer of Insect Art at Racine Art Museum
Sunday 18 April 2010 – Sunday 17 October 2010
A summer of insect art exhibitions and events at the Racine Art Museum in Wisconsin. Exhibitions include Catherine Chalmers: American Cockroach; Jennifer Angus: Patterns of Insect Life; Insectopedia of JoAnna Poehlmann; Insects and Invaders in RAM's Collection; Eccentric Insects.
The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, Japan
Trouble in Paradise/The Ethics of Survival
Friday 9 July 2010 – Sunday 22 August 2010
Pestival collaborator Susana Soares takes part in Trouble in Paradise/The Ethics of Survival, an exhibition run by the Kyoto City University of Arts, which 'aims to reconstruct the basic modern concepts of humans/time/space'. Other participants include Critical Art Ensemble, Mirosław Bałka, and Temple Grandin.
Past Events
Waterhouse Restaurant, 10 Orsman Road, London
Golden Co Honey Harvest
Saturday 10 July 2010 15:00 – 17:30
The Golden Co presents… 420,000 Worker Bees, 15 Trainee Beekeepers, 10 Volunteers, 8 Queens, 5 Chefs, 2 Accreditations, 1 Honey Harvest. Come and join the party! The Golden Company is a social enterprise based in the heart of Hackney, East London, aiming to empower inner city youth with the skills to develop a sustainable, environmentally focused enterprise.
Royal Festival Hall, London
How Do Insects Find Their Way Home?
Friday 25 June 2010 10:00 – Sunday 4 July 2010 20:30
An exhibition exploring University of Sussex's study of how insects are able to navigate long and complicated routes between their nest and food sources, despite their limited neural capabilities and low-resolution vision. As part of The Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition, you can test your ability to navigate as well as an ant on the ‘Ant Challenge’ and learn how insect-inspired algorithms can help robots find their way home.
Royal Festival Hall, London
Journey to Centre of the Earth: The First 23cm
Friday 25 June 2010 10:00 – Sunday 4 July 2010 20:30
An exhibition from Pestival collaborators Rothamsted Research, showing new methods to study soil biodiversity, to understand its importance and what previously undiscovered organisms it may contain. Visitors to the exhibit will be able to examine soil invertebrates with microscopes, find out how to identify organisms by comparing DNA sequences to a database, and learn about their role in the soil ecosystem. This is part of The Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition.
BBC Radio 3
Bridget Nicholls on Radio 3 Night Waves
Thursday 3 June 2010 21:15
Pestival Director Bridget Nicholls is one of the expert guests on BBC Radio 3's Night Waves tonight at 9.15pm. This Landmarks episode discusses Jacques Cousteau's revolutionary documentary The Silent World, one of the first ever films to use underwater cinematography. Tune in tonight or listen to it later!
Farmani Gallery, Brooklyn, New York
BEE: An Exhibition of Photographs by Rose-Lynn Fisher
Thursday 3 June 2010 – Saturday 3 July 2010
This exhibition, BEE – A magnified exploration of the honeybee and its anatomy as art, presents a series of photographs by Rose-Lynn Fisher. Photographs of honeybees were shot through a scanning electron microscope at magnifications ranging from 10x to 5000x.
Wellcome Collection, London
Seeing Myself See
Saturday 29 May 2010 12:00 – Sunday 30 May 2010 17:30
Seeing instruments, learning bees and a 'mind chair' at the Wellcome Collection. At Seeing Myself See you can experience the visual world in a completely new way… in sound. Hear the 'sound of colour', or hear the 'music of your clothes' played by an ensemble of seeing instruments and watch a real, live experiment where bumblebees are trained to solve colour puzzles that our most sophisticated robots cannot.
The Dray Walk Gallery, Brick Lane, London
Cultural Engineers Book and Exhibition Launch
Thursday 20 May 2010
Launch of The Dream Factory's exhibition and limited edition book, featuring their "Cultural Engineers" (including Pestival Director Bridget Nicholls). Other 'engineers' include Simon Berry of Colalife, Shane Walter of onedotzero, Eugenie Harvey of 10:10, Richard Reynolds of Guerrilla Gardening, Fabien Riggall of Secret Cinema, and several other folk doing exciting and important work!
Cabinet, 300 Nevins Street, Brooklyn, New York
Insectomedia, an evening of insects
Friday 7 May 2010 19:00 – 22:00
Cabinet, Evidence Design, and Hugh Raffles’s Insectopedia (Pantheon, March 2010) come together to present Insectomedia, an evening of insects, with film, readings, sound, images, projections, and cocktails. Films to be screened include Percy Smith's The Strength and Agility of Insects, Ladislaw Starevitcz's The Cameraman’s Revenge, Jean Painlevé's Freshwater Assassins, Catherine Chalmers's Safari, and Stan Brakhage's Mothlight.
Camley Street Projects, King's Cross, London
Physical Virus at Art & Architecture
Thursday 29 April 2010 19:00
Architectural designer Ollie Palmer presents his current project Physical Virus, an artwork that investigates the social behavior of ants, in a panel discussion at Reclaiming Space, an event hosted by Sinta Tantra and Art & Architecture.
TED Salon, Unicorn Theatre, London
Bridget Nicholls at TED Salon London
Monday 19 April 2010
Pestival Director Bridget Nicholls gives a talk on "The Art of Being an Insect" at the TED Salon in London (TED.com), where the theme is "Different by Design".
Observatory, 543 Union Street, Brooklyn, New York
Curiosity and Horror: Transgenics, Cybernetics, and Evolution
Saturday 3 April 2010 20:00
Observatory presents an illustrated lecture with Shanna Maurizi, contributing artist to the Observatory show Entomologia. Silkworms engineered to produce pharmaceuticals and hormones, cyborg dragonflies designed for high-speed missions and surveillance... In connection with her recent work, Shanna Maurizi has been delving into the nether regions of genetic engineering and transgenics, molecular biology, and military cybernetics.
Roppongi Hills Arena, The National Art Centre, Tokyo, Japan
Noboru Tsubaki in Tokyo
Saturday 27 March 2010 – Sunday 28 March 2010
Noboru Tsubaki’s Moon Walker (unveiled during Pestival 2009) performs again, this time at Tokyo’s National Art Centre. In addition, he’ll also be presenting older work, as well as a brand new piece.
The New School, Tishman Auditorium, 66 West 12th Street, off 6th Ave, New York
Headspace: On Scent as Design
Friday 26 March 2010 10:00 – 17:30
Susana Soares (BEE'S and Am I attractive?, shown at Pestival 2009) is speaking at Headspace, a one-day symposium on the conception, impact, and potential applications of scent. Susana will be guest speaking among designers, scientists, artists and perfumers. The formulation and articulation of the project has been a collaboration Parsons, MoMA, IFF, and SEED magazine.
Viktor Wynd Fine Art, 11 Mare St, London
The Big Itch: Presented by Strange Attractor
Thursday 25 March 2010 19:00
Pestival collaborator Amoret Whitaker, forensic entomologist at the Natural History Museum, bemoans the nation’s declining flea population and tells us more than we need to know about these magnificent micro-critters. Meanwhile, entomologist David Cain alerts us to the ongoing bed bug invasion, tells us why we should be afraid and whether there’s anything we can do to stop them. Members of both families will be in attendance. This event is hosted by Strange Attractor.
Observatory, 543 Union Street, Brooklyn, New York
Insects, Naturalists, Dioramas, and World Travels
Friday 19 March 2010 20:00
Curious Expeditions and Observatory present a talk of insects, world travel, and art with Joianne Bittle, contributing artist to the current Observatory show Entomologia, and diorama artist for the American Museum of Natural History. Joianne Bittle will discuss her series of beetle paintings, A Royal Family, as well as her large, four-paneled graphite drawing of the jewel beetle from Southeast Asia.
Observatory, 543 Union Street, Brooklyn, New York
Insect Safari with Catherine Chalmers
Friday 12 March 2010 19:30
A film screening of Entomologia contributing artist Catherine Chalmers’ insect shorts, Safari and We Rule. The screening will be followed by a talk about the cast of the Safari: 20 species of insects, reptiles and amphibians she raised in her SOHO studio.
Observatory, 543 Union Street, Brooklyn, New York
Entomologia: A group show of insect art
Friday 26 February 2010 – Sunday 4 April 2010
Observatory and Curious Expeditions' Michelle Enemark present Entomologia, a group show of art incorporating and inspired by insects. Participating artists: Jennifer Angus, Joianne Bittle, Catherine Chalmers, Joanna Ebenstein, Michelle Enemark, Judith Klausner, Barrett Klein, Shanna Maurizi, Herbert Pfostl, Brian Riley, Stacey Steers, Steve Thurston, James Walsh and Lisa Wood.
-
Southbank Centre Square
The Termite Pavilion
Friday 4 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
The Termite Pavilion is a sensational walk - in structure inspired by the organic forms surrounding the central chimney of a Namibian termite mound.
-
Festival Terrace
The Mobile Brownfield Site
Friday 4 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Artist Bob and Roberta Smith rescues part of the new Olympic development plot which is being built on a disused ex-industrial space, known as a brownfield site.
-
Entrance to Spirit Level
BeeCab
Friday 4 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Is it a bee? Is it a cab? No it's BeeCab. One bee works its entire five-week life span to provide one twelfth of a spoonful of honey. So let's give the bees a free ride and celebrate London beekeeping.
-
The Clore Ballroom
The Horned Skullship
Friday 4 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
London-based artist Tessa Farmer uses insect carcasses, plant roots and other found natural materials to create The Horned Skullship, a hanging installation depicting a nightmare fairytale.
-
The Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall
Not-Doing
Friday 4 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Metamorphosis and change are key to human and insect life and remind us we co-exist and are part of the same planet. Artist Jane Wafer creates human-sized chrysalises which represent this similarity and difference.
-
Level 2 Foyer
The Decayed Book
Friday 4 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Book artist Mark Cockram, in collaboration with Amoret Whitaker at the Natural History Museum, exhibits the remains of books made using traditional materials and adhesives and have been designed to be digested by hide beetles, Dermestes maculatus, in order to turn it into a sculptural object in a piece of Entomological Etymology.
-
The Clore Ballroom Balcony
The Urban Insect Garden
Friday 4 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Discover how to encourage nature back into your city life and meet the experts for some top tips on how to recreate your own insect garden at home.
-
Southbank Centre
Resonance104.4FM
Friday 4 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Broadcasting live from Pestival, Resonance104.4fm is the world's first radio art station, established by London Musicians' Collective. Resonance104.4fm features programmes made by musicians, artists and critics who represent the diversity of London’s arts scene, with regular weekly contributions from nearly two hundred musicians, artists, thinkers, critics, activists and instigators.
-
The Front Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall
Bee Social
Friday 4 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
For one weekend only, Pestival transforms The Front Room at Queen 'Bee' Hall into a giant bee hive, a place for all to learn and discuss the colony collapse disorder. Come listen to the talks, discussions as well as a special duet performance by the Royal Festival Hall’s resident bees with guest peformers.
-
The Yellow Room, Spirit Level
Movements of Parts Within
Friday 4 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Watch as a large cockroach is slowly transported by hundreds and hundreds of small energetic crazy ants.
-
Slow Food Market
Friday 4 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Pestival brings in the harvest with Slow Food London and celebrates the pollinators who make it possible.
-
Foyer Bar- Level 2
Pestival 2009 - Information Point
Friday 4 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Welcome to Pestival 2009, where we celebrate insects in art, and the art of being an insect. Meet here to find out more about this 'rare and wonderful celebration of the creepy crawly.' (The Independent)
-
Front Room
Thomas Truax
Friday 4 September 2009
A nominee for Britain's 2008 Indy Music Award for best live act, Truax is making a name for himself by building his own instruments from gramophone horns and pull-string toys.
-
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Robyn Hitchcock and his Friends
Friday 4 September 2009
Robyn Hitchcock and his friends play a selection of his own and other insect-related songs with added sound effects, including clicks, rubbings and hisses.
-
Queen's Walk
Insect ID Tent
Saturday 5 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Come and meet all your favourite insect charites and societies under one tent, take your insect photos to be identified, learn about local greenspaces and collect your Southbank Centre insect survey card.
-
Queen's Walk
Meet the Water Insects
Saturday 5 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Millions of people have a relationship with the Thames but not so many stop to think what goes on below its surface. The London Wetland Centre Team are on hand with explainer tanks filled with insects found living in the River Thames.
-
Queen's Walk
Insect Circus Museum
Saturday 5 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Stroll up! Stroll up for the Magnificent Insect Circus Museum! Housed in a vintage Bedford TK Beetlebox lorry, this unique museum displays a stunning array of costumes, props, puppets, toys and ephemera from the extraordinary collection of the Insect Circus Society.
-
Royal Festival Hall Foyer, Level 2 Blue Side
Why Me?
Saturday 5 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Dr. James Logan and his team at Rothamsted Research Laboratory have developed a new theory to explain why some people are more attractive to mosquitoes and midges than others, which might help further research into major international health problems.
-
Spirit Level
Insect Detectives
Saturday 5 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Take part in solving crime with the forensic entomology team from the Natural History Museum. Meet Dr. Martin Hall and Amoret Whitaker, insect experts who are often called on to assist the police in cases of suspicious death.
-
Blue Room, Spirit Level
The Art of being a Maggot
Saturday 5 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Watch maggots paint and learn how they smell, with the university of Manchester’s celebrity maggot man Dr Matthew Cobb and students.
-
Spirit Level
Make an Insect Book
Saturday 5 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Meet Studio 5 Bookartists and learn how to make your very own insect book.
-
Yellow Room, Spirit Level
Chrysalis Making Workshop
Saturday 5 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Join artist Jane Wafer in a workshop to construct beautiful butterfly chrysalises.
-
The Clore Ballroom
Praying Mantis Kung Fu
Saturday 5 September 2009
The Praying Mantis Kung Fu School demonstrate the most ancient form of Kung Fu, based on the principle moves of the Praying Mantis.
-
Purcell Room
Bio-design Talk
Saturday 5 September 2009
Come and find out how we learn from insects.
-
The Clore Ballroom
Insect Zoo Show
Saturday 5 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Meet our Science partners London Zoos and their traveling live insect show.
-
Purcell Room
Termite Technology
Saturday 5 September 2009
Find out how leading engineers, architects and designers are learning new ways of thinking and working from termites.
-
Yellow Room, Spirit Level
Insect Mask Making
Saturday 5 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
Make your own insect super power mask to take home with Pestival Artist in Residence Noburu Tsubaki.
-
The Clore Ballroom
Noburu Tsubaki
Saturday 5 September 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009
In Japan, insects take on signficant meanings and super powers and are wrapped up in folklore and TV cartoons of legends.
-
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Robin Ince
Saturday 5 September 2009
An evening of insect-inspired cabaret presented by comedian Robin Ince and guests.
-
Purcell Room
Vanishing of the Bees
Saturday 5 September 2009
Vanishing of the Bees explores the mysterious collapse of the honey bee population across the planet and its greater meaning to humankind’s relationship with the natural world.
-
Purcell Room
The Hellstrom Chronicle
Sunday 6 September 2009
A rare screening of the scarily convincing 1971 Oscar-winning cult classic Hellstrom Chronicle.
-
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Chris Watson - Cross Pollination
Sunday 6 September 2009
Internationally acclaimed sound recordist for BBC’s Life in the Undergrowth and original member of Cabaret Voltaire, Chris Watson, curates an evening of experimental insect music.
