Gal Nissim
2023
Literary/Tech
New York, NY
Gal Nissim is an Israel-born, New York-based, interdisciplinary artist and researcher who investigates human-animal interactions. Nissim's work has been exhibited at the New Museum, Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Time Square, Pioneer Works, Central Park, New York Hall of Science, Artport Tel Aviv in Public Space, Science Gallery Detroit, GStreamer Conference (Berlin), among others.
Nissim has participated in residencies and fellowships with, Artport, New Museum, Science Sandbox, LMCC Creative Engagement, Culture & Animals Foundation, NYFA, Google’s Experimental Storytelling, and the Weizmann Institute of Science for outstanding young researchers. She received her Master’s from NYU’s ITP. Nissim studied at Bezalel Academy of Art while earning her BSc, summa cum laude, in biology and cognitive science from the Hebrew University, Jerusalem. Nissim teaches at Columbia University at GSAAP, and NYU’s Environmental Studies, Animal Studies and ITP, Tisch. Currently, she is an Innovator in Residence at Rutgers University.
BIO
“I am motivated by a deep fascination with humans’ relations with non-human creatures. My work is directly inspired by recent possible technologies, natural sciences, and environmental justice, and my creative process is grounded in research and collaborations. While technology is often used to shield us from nature, I utilize it to help people to rebuild their relationship with the living world – to move from a place of disregard and disgust to a place of wonder and attachment. As an immigrant feminist, I’m eager to raise conversations across borders, both physical and mental, and invite my audience to re-evaluate their preconceptions of other species. I combine my background in biology, cognitive science, and art to create interactive, technology-enhanced works, often involving living organisms, that explore complex scientific themes. Like a therapist that guides you to a deeper understanding of your emotions, I create opportunities for people to reconnect deeply with nature.”
STATEMENT
How can we make the outdoors a space of belonging?
Seventy years into the Anthropocene, we find ourselves increasingly isolated and alone. The reports on biodiversity loss are staggering. In this world, humans and our livestock account for 96% of all mammal life on earth. A dominance that seems to require continuous expansion, claiming space from the remaining 4% of wild mammals.
I’m a strong believer in changing the conversation to spotlight the bright ideas, successful solutions, and passionate people working to protect our planet - the Earth Optimism movement. I believe that we need to embrace a multi-species perspective in order to create a sustainable way of life on earth. Art allows us to rethink our preconceptions about the non-human animals around us. How can we change the feeling of being a visitor to be present, and be part of this place we all call home? At AIRIE I aim to continue creating intimate experiences of discovery that reveal overlooked and unseen moments and enhance the sense of belonging.