Events — Jun 6, 2025

Stedelijk Museum presents an engaging talk by Zach Blas, an artist, filmmaker, and writer who delves into theory, performance, and science fiction. Blas is known for his immersive installations and projects like Facial Weaponization Suite and Contra-Internet, which challenge our views on identity and digital culture. In his lecture, he will explore digital technologies and their impact on society and visual art. Don't miss this chance to hear his insightful perspectives and see his innovative work.

Price
Museumticket + € 3
Location
Auditorium
Time
Jun 6, 3 pm until 4 pm
Main language
English
Admission
Tickets

In this artist talk, Blas will focus on artworks and concepts from his Silicon Traces series, including The Doors, and CULTUS. He will highlight some of his artistic methods of working with AI and some of the theoretical concepts he has developed, such as unknown ideals / xeno-telos and contra-internet among others. The talk will be around 45 minutes after which a Q&A will take place moderated by dr. Corina Apostol.

Read more about the Silicon Traces series here.

Zach Blas' work is relevant to today's art world as it critically examines the intersection of technology, identity, and society. We are surrounded by digital technologies, and AI is now available on every phone. Blas has studied the influence of technological culture, including surveillance, patterns, and facial recognition, on existence for years. His projects, such as Facial Weaponization Suite and Contra-Internet, challenge conventional views on digital culture and biometric surveillance. By creating immersive installations, publishing on these topics, and compiling books like Informatics of Domination, which explores technological dominance from feminist and queer perspectives, Blas encourages audiences to reflect on the pervasive influence of digital technologies. His work not only pushes the boundaries of contemporary art but also fosters discussions about privacy, autonomy, and the future of human interaction in a technologically driven world.    

Within the Stedelijk, his work and lecture can be understood alongside the Sandra Mujinga exhibition (Sep 2025 – Jan 2026), which focuses on speculative fiction and worldbuilding. Zach Blas' way of thinking can also be used to view the Pamela Rosenkranz exhibition (May 2025 – Aug 2025) at the museum in a different light. 

Zach Blas is the yearly visiting fellow invited by Stedelijk, OSK, UvA and the RKD for 2025.

photo of Zach Blas