Active Matter

Regeneration Through Artisanal Studies

Active Matter is a materials research group that applies expertise in past knowledge systems and artisanal practices to develop and support regenerative artisanal projects.

Our goal: To bring together humanities, science, and industry in finding ways to balance nature and culture through re-making making.

Based in New York City, Active Matter members are historians, scientists, performers, and artists from Europe, South America, the UK, and the USA.

Activities

The Dissolving Ring, Redux

April 4, 2023

In the workshops of the RCA, Tina Asmussen and Donna Bilak reiterate their collaborative project, “I was iron, I am copper, I will be gold.” Asmussen and Bilak explore the chemical reaction that made copper vitriol so widely used historical mining practices. Royal College of Art, LondonApril 4, 2023 A rock of copper vitriol is … More The Dissolving Ring, Redux

Alchemy Meets Jewellery Symposium

April 3, 2023

Alchemy and jewellery as activities are similar in that they involve a combination of material practice and abstract conceptualisation. The symposium explores how this dual aspect is reflected in both alchemists’ and jewellers’ work and these activities’ immediate and long-term cultural, social, and philosophical impact. April 3, 2023 Royal College of Art, Lecture Theatre 1, … More Alchemy Meets Jewellery Symposium

Gold+Mercury Published

March 28, 2023

The Ambix Special Issue “Gold and Mercury: Amalgamated Histories in Chemistry, Culture, and Environment” is now available, featuring essays by Active Matter members Bilak and Oakley among others. This publication serves as a manifesto of many of the guiding interests and principles of Active Matter, and we congratulate all who contributed to making this publication … More Gold+Mercury Published