Bio Exuberance: What biology has to teach us, part 2

"Animals, insects, and organisms offer many ways to challenge the conventional social constructions that we apply to our own species. The term “biological exuberance,” introduced by Dr. Bruce Bagemihl in his book of the same name, describes the surprising diversity of the animal kingdom, which encompasses a seemingly endless variety of gender and sexual fluidity.

"In part, this show is an exploration and celebration of wonder that fully embraces the diversity of what it is to be a biological being in an intricately interconnected network of organisms. And in part, it is a response to our confinement under the pandemic and an increased need for biophilic experiences. Biophilia, as defined by Edward O. Wilson, is “the urge to affiliate with other life forms.” Nature seems to be amplified now, as does our need to connect with it.

"Diversification equals strength. Collaboration amongst all living organisms leads to biological success and, by extension, a well-balanced, connected world."

– Zoe Farmer

SFArtsED’s 2019-2020 Minnesota Street Project Artist-in-Residence

Created in collaboration with: SFArtsED Players: Amalia Duque, Samantha Gangitano, Lily Hannan, Parker Lee, Stella Nureyev-Hilburn, Zofia Rose Hope-Csikszentmihalyi, Stella Simmons, Agatha Sterkel, Malena Sutter, Audrey Thornton, Diego Vaznaugh-Sanchez, Trisha Yee.

Pete Belkin, Photography and Digital Media Producer, Film. Natalie Greene, Director and Choreographer, Film.

Emily Keeler, Text Mentor, Film.

Tiersa Nureyev, Visual Arts Mentor, Film.

Miraloma Elementary School, Grade 3.

Junipero Serra Elementary School, Grades 1, 3, 4, 5.

Experience the exhibition virtually on Adjacent.

sfartsed.org

Image credit: Zooplankton (biodiversity = Strength), 2020. Sculpey Polymer Clay. 42 x 42 in. Zoe Farmer with Miraloma Elementary School Students, Grade 3. Junipero Sierra Elementary School Students, Grades 1,3,4,5. Photo: Pete Belkin