The Crystal World Open Laboratory, CTM12, Berlin, Jan. 30 - Feb. 04. 2012

http://crystal.xxn.org.uk/wiki/doku.php?id=the_crystal_world:ctm12:description

Open call for participants for a free 6 day laboratory at Kunstraum Kreuzberg/Bethanien as part of CTM12 with Jonathan Kemp, Martin Howse, Ryan Jordan, and Ralf Baecker.

The absolute silence of the vegetation along the banks and the deep prismatic glow almost convinced him that the entire earth had been transformed and that any progress through this crystal world had become pointless. J.G. Ballard, The Crystal World.

The Crystal World Open Laboratory, through various chemical decrystallizations of the digital, returns to the earth redundant electronics, the poisonous support for a synthesised dystopic world, as the recrystallized mineral. Mimicking the often dangerous processes undertaken in the recovery of rare and precious metals by the dispossessed, the Crystal World proposes to expand these world interventions through experimentation in the formation of novel crystal earth geologies aimed to etch unexpected psychophysical distortions and contingencies into our contemporary crystalline cycles.

During the open laboratory activities will include explorations in earth computing, mineral precipitation, high heat synthetic geology and inductive crystallography, DIY semi-conductor fabrication, water crystal cryptography, anthropocenic fossilizations, kirlian photography, hi-voltage fulgurite construction. On Sunday 5th February there will be a public presentation and performances, with laboratory process to be exposed during an exhibition at Kunstraum Kreuzberg over the following weeks.

Participants take part at their own risk. Experiments will include high heat and highly toxic processes. Safety gear will be provided but please bring any masks/goggles/labcoats or similar if available.

No previous experience is necessary although as places are limited preference will be given to those showing a firm interest and commitment to the full six days. Please send expressions of interest to x at xxn.org.uk by the 20th January.