NUCLEAR SESSIONS: Sense, perceive and transcribe radioactivity

Radiation exposure can cause serious diseases in humans and animals. There are numerous sites contaminated by radiation, posing a threat to health. Although it is a natural process on which our very existence depends, we receive man-made radiation, such as small amounts of radioactive materials due to nuclear activity or remnants of radioactive fallout released into the environment during the mid-20th century due to atomic bombs. This has generated residues in the soil, sediments, ice and even in our own bodies that will last for many years.

Invisible and tasteless, fallout has been used to mark our entry into the new geological era of the Anthropocene. The workshop organized by Fernando Cremades (artist) and Agnès Villette (research artist) will begin with a visit to CIEMAT, the national nuclear research center. The activity is structured around three main questions: How can we think of an invisible but ubiquitous presence? How can we isolate and control radioactivity? Finally, how can we translate it, through narrative, installation or drawing? Ways of delimiting, representing, visualizing or listening to traces of radioactivity will be explored through a scientific and artistic approach.

The workshop will close on March 2 with an open table with the participation of 3 speakers: Nestor Herran (scientist, Spain/France) Elise Alloin (artist, France) and Dr. Grit Ruhland (artist, Germany) will present their work before opening the discussion with the public.

The workshop will be in English/Spanish.