Dump Philosophy: A Phenomenology of Devastation
With Michael Marder
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Date
- 18:00 / Cancelled 18:00 / Sold out Saturday, 18:00
Location
Studio Centro de Arte Moderna GulbenkianIn his new book, ‘Dump Philosophy: A Phenomenology of Devastation’, Michael Marder depicts the Anthropocene as a global rubbish dump causes damage and disease and corrupts our feelings, perceptions and thoughts, so that nuances are lost and ideas are reduced to free associations.
Every day, we are confronted with the rapid deterioration of our planet: from microplastics in the water and toxins in the air to soil degradation. This book explores the fundamental characteristics of the rubbish dump and its effects on the body and mind.
The author examines broader physiological, social, economic and environmental processes in the age of displacement. The book offers a frightening yet intellectually fascinating glimpse of the future, directly relating to our lives, daily routines and choices.
In conversation with ‘Jacob Kirkegaard. Testimonium’, this launch will be attended by Raquel Castro, curator of Kirkegaard’s project, currently on display in the Sound Room.
This presentation will be held in Portuguese with interpretation into Portuguese Sign Language.
‘Institution(ing)s’ is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Creative Europe. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Speakers
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Michael Marder
Michael Marder is IKERBASQUE Research Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. His writings span the fields of ecological theory, phenomenology, and political thought.
His most recent books include ‘The Phoenix Complex’ (2023), ‘Time Is a Plant’ (2023), with Edward S. Casey, ‘Plants in Place’ (2024), ‘Eco-Freud’ (2025), Metamorphoses Reimagined (2025), with Anais Tondeur, Fiori di fuoco (2025), and Of Joints and Other Articulations (2026). More information
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Raquel Castro
Raquel Castro is a researcher, curator and director. Founder and director of Associação Sonora, the Lisboa Soa festival and the Invisible Places symposium, she holds a PhD in Communication and Arts and teaches Sound Sciences and Technologies at Universidade Lusófona de Lisboa. Over more than two decades, through her curatorial work in numerous exhibitions and the production and direction of several documentaries, she has developed a unique and independent career. Castro explores the relationship between sound art, ecology and public space and investigates the social and political dimensions that emerge through the practice of listening.
Programme
18:00 / Introduction
18:05 / Presentation of the ‘Testimonium’ project by artist Jacob Kirkegaard
18:15 / Talk on the book 'Dump Philosophy: A Phenomenology of Devastation'
19:00 / Q&A
19:30 / Closing
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The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation reserves the right to collect and keep records of images, sounds and voice for the diffusion and preservation of the memory of its cultural and artistic activity. For further information, please contact us through the Information Request form.