Thought pieces

Charles Darwin, Tree of Life, 1837. Reproduced with permission from the Syndics of Cambridge University Library

Most people recognise Charles Robert Darwin for his contributions to the science of evolution. But in 1837, the English naturalist, geologist and biologist, created a landmark sketch titled Tree of Life as a framework for his speculations. This intuitive drawing of an evolutionary tree is headlined by the words ‘I think' and is a precursor to his revolutionary theories of evolution, common descent and natural selection.

Inspired by this sketch, artist and curator Jitish Kallat is inviting artists and audiences to consider whether Darwin first wrote the words ‘I think' and then proceeded to draw his emergent thoughts, or if it was the other way around. The outcome is an ambitious curatorial project in collaboration with South South, an online community and resource for artists, galleries, curators and collectors, and non-profits focusing on the Global South. The project encompasses 60 artists, 28 galleries and 29 countries.

Siddhartha Mukherjee and Jitish Kallat

Of the concept, Kallat shares, "The Darwinian sketch points to the core of the ruminative process - of discovery, observation and creativity - where ideas produce images and images in turn procreate ideas. This drawing is presented as the inaugural ‘prompt' to think about the very process of drawing, as well as placing the question of ‘evolution' [in its broadest interpretation] at the very centre of this project's inquiry. The current pandemic has pushed us, the most dominant species on the planet, onto an exponential evolutionary change-curve as an invisible microscopic entity continues to infect our bodies and alter our life-patterns."

The project kicks off today with a conversation on the theme between Kallat, Siddhartha Mukherjee, acclaimed physician, biologist and author, and William Kentridge, an artist and filmmaker. They've also lined up a series of interactive events using Miro boards, in collaboration with Open Window Institute.

On: Today, 9 pm
Log on to: south-south.art to register, and for schedule updates