ART, SCIENCE AND PEOPLE FOR DIVERSITY
A Koen Vanmechelen Foundation
About
MOUTH stands for Museum of Understanding, Trust and Humanity. It is a not-for-profit organization that brings together art, science and people for the realisation of a new, more constructive social and ecological balance.
The work of Belgium artist Koen Vanmechelen is the transformational motor in what we do. His work with science and communities expands the concept of art far outside the galleries and museums.
Our ideas are rooted in the value of biocultural diversity, resilience and circular development. Our projects connect people worldwide to realise its practical applications.
More about the artist.
Human Rights Pavilion
The Human Rights Pavilion is an evolving artwork by renowned Belgium artist Koen Vanmechelen, initiated in the context of the 58th Biennial of Venice, May you live in Interesting Times, in collaboration with Global Campus of Human Rights, Fondazione Berengo and the MOUTH Foundation.
With the Human Rights Pavilion, Vanmechelen explores the complexities of human nature, the possibility of a universal concept of human rights and the role of art in its development. He presents nature as a human right and contemplates its safeguarding in the Anthropocene, the era in which the human impact on the Earth’s geology and ecosystems reaches critical proportions.
More about the Human Rights Pavilion
Cosmocafes
The Human Rights Pavilion comes together through a growing network of Cosmocafes, organized at different locations around the world.
For each Cosmocafe, we seek out different international partners that believe in the interplay of arts and human rights. More specifically, we organize Cosmocafes linked to exhibitions and lectures of Koen Vanmechelen, cafes coinciding with the presentation of the UN Global report on children deprived of liberty and at important art locations and events around the world. Local partners help include a rich and diverse spectrum of people and disciplines and bring visibility and traction to its realization.
More about the Cosmocafes
MOUTH in the world
MOUTH operates globally with Global Open Farms in Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Belgium and the US. Our local partners are critical in the implementation and development of what we do.
MOUTH is based out of LABIOMISTA in Genk, Belgium. Our meeting places are unconventional, global, open, inspirational, universal and unique.
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MOUTH masks
Suddenly, within a few weeks, COVID -19 is dominating our lives. We have become the chicken …
After repeatedly isolating or 'recovering' other infected species, we are now quarantining ourselves, the most domesticated species of all. This should not come as a surprise. So many chapters in the book of biocultural diversity have warned us this could happen, that, effectively, we are the chicken.
Today it is more than necessary to make a statement that we should show more respect for nature and no longer occupy the space where nature should be undisturbed. We make this statement through artist Koen Vanmechelen's specially designed face mask with a highly charged symbolism. A volta is possible. We must define domestication and work on open physical and mental spaces to create a better society and protect fellow humans and fellow species. It is time for a sharp turnaround and high time to focus on the well-being of the other(s).
