March 6 2024, 7-8:30pm Saudi Arabia time

We are surrounded by other-than-human life-forms that make up to 99.9% of life on the planet. Do non-human species have consciousness, and do they experience embodiment? How do they communicate and make decisions so that they can survive in any condition? There are alternative forms of experiencing the world that we should take into consideration. Are we at the end of human exceptionalism? 

A conversation between plant neuroscientist Paco Calvo and visual artist Ayman Zedani. Moderated by program creator Anna Kirikova. 

OTHER MINDS is a cross-disciplinary program centered around the ways of thinking and seeing in more-than-human ways. It has been created in response to the curatorial vision of Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2024, After Rain, which embodies revitalization and renewal. It situates itself within a wider narrative of the co-existence of humans and non-humans.

Neuroscience has proved that the human brain cannot grasp the world as it is. If the objective world exists, how can we even come close to discovering it? 

The scientific and culturological tools developed to date allow for an experience of the “other”, or alternative ways of perceiving the world. With OTHER MINDS, we have assembled an array of scientists, thinkers, and artists to elaborate on plant-animal-microorganism-human relations through the new findings in neurosciences, biology, and anthropology, as well as through the metaphorical findings of the artworks presented at the Biennale. 

We will look closer at how non-human beings interact with reality, communicate, and create fascinating entanglements through their relationship with others, including humans. By receiving theoretical and practical insights from the program’s contributors, we might probably be able to see the world around us a bit closer to what it is — a world where all life is thoughtful life. 

The program was created in collaboration with Anna Kirikova and Daria Ozerskaya.