Arena de Evolución – Library of Collected Knowledge is a multi-media and interactive installation created by Belgian artist Koen Vanmechelen for the 12th Biennial of Havana; ‘Entre la Idea y la Experiencia’. It is a multidisciplinary project that has been inspired by the artist’s trips to Cuba, by the yearlong collaborations with scientists but foremost by the Cosmopolitan Chicken Project. Arena de Evolución – L.O.C.K. was officially kicked off in 2013 in the artist’s studio. Since then, several experts gathered in Tanzania, Belgium and the UK in different set-ups to discuss the topics essential to Vanmechelens work. These are Ecology and Climate, Immunity, Fertility, Ethics and Diversity. In the library presented during the biennial, the knowledge generated by this project is archived and accessible for the visitor.
At the same time, Vanmechelen re-introduced the Cubalaya chicken in Cuba at the biennial. A crossbreed between Asian and European breeds that was once the pride of Cuba, but has disappeared on the island for decades. The species, however, survived in the United States. Now it returns as a valuable genetic element in the artist’s Cosmopolitan Chicken cross-breeding Project. During the biennial, Vanmechelen gifted the Cubalaya Centre to the Cuban people. “The fact that this magnificent animal is coming home to roost at this particular point in time, is a strong statement about identity, hybridity and diversity in our fast-changing world,” states the artist.
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