Webinar series

Embracing the savage and unseen: Nature and ruptures of the unfamiliar

Hosted by: Anna M. Pascó Boltà and Solomon Sebuliba

Tags: Project and webinar series in the BB movement

In the ongoing narrative of environmental stewardship, there arises an imperative to confront the challenges embedded within our connections with nature and with one another. Each passing day sees the pathways to sustainable coexistence and responsible guardianship of our environment dwindle. The ‘wicked’ issues of our time—climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecological degradation—only seem to grow in complexity, defying simplistic solutions.

Is there still hope? Amidst this inquiry, there emerges a heightened awareness of the significance of acknowledging and actively engaging with the overlooked or misunderstood facets of our environments and cultures. The impulse to venture into the unknown has historically propelled both scientific endeavors and civilizations themselves, driven by a mix of curiosity, fascination, fear, and caution. Yet, upon conquering the unknown, there often remains a void—a lack of acknowledgment of the vulnerability once felt in the face of the savage, the unseen, and the unfamiliar. Is there a path back to that essence of the human spirit?

In this inaugural webinar series, the Spanish Artist Anna M. Pascó Boltà and the Ugandan Political Ecologist Solomon Sebuliba will host indigenous scholars, artists, scientists and local communities from various corners of the globe to confront the unfamiliar aspects of life, challenge their own preconceptions and biases, and ultimately evaluate their understanding of the world and their role within it. We explore a diverse array of topics, including the intersections of nature and culture, the distinctions between life and non-life, and the marginalization of knowledge labelled as “savage,” “primitive,” or “uncivilized.” It is the clash of worldviews, languages, and customs. The series are schedules to take place in various regions of the world and you can join online!

You want to be panelist, either online or onsite? Here are some topics to think with!

1. Unveiling the Savage: Exploring the blurry boundaries between civilization and wilderness
2. From Life to non-Life, and Life: Journeying the depths of creation, can the ordinary transcend into the extraordinary?
3. Ruptures of the unfamiliar: Embracing moments of disruption, uncertainty, and upheaval as gateways to new possibilities and perspectives.

If you are eager to join this dynamic discussion online or on site, please reach out to us here. Our first season is almost out!

Important Dates (TBD)

Presenter registration: Ongoing

Participant registration: Ongoing

Webinar dates and venues: TBD

Registration