‘Homo Sapiens I Hear You’ – Nelly Ben Hayoun Studios and A/D/O’s series of seminars kicking off on 12th January 2018

The January seminar ‘Sleep With Me’ will bring together the makers and designers of thoughts and manufacturers of nighttime knowledge. We will unravel oneiric creative potentials as we explore hypnosis as a means to define new economic models and labour systems and even question what machines and dinosaurs dream of. The audience will learn how our subconscious is used in films, while questioning oneiric aesthetics and other fantastical natural and technological whims.

The speakers at the January event will include:

Douglas Trumbull – director and special effects specialist (Blade Runner, 2001: Space Odyssey)

Alexandra Jannelli – hypnotist

Rachel Katz – David Lynch Foundation 

Graciela Chichilinski – economist and specialist in Global Warming

This yearlong ‘Homo Sapiens I Hear You’ series of non-linear, non-conventional, and non-passive seminars will question and re-think humanity’s essential needs; and consider whether the modern practice of design addresses them.

The curriculum conceived by Nelly Ben Hayoun is framed around American psychologist Abraham Maslow’s “Hierarchy of Needs”, which offers a model that defines the needs of human beings – from the most basic functions (eating, sleeping, etc.) to the more fulfilling (self-improvement, practicing sports, etc.). Our seminars will unravel how human needs have developed through history and how they might continue to develop over time.

Occurring on the 12th of the month, each seminar will showcase pioneering critical thinkers and present eclectic reference material from around the world. Dr. Ben Hayoun, along with a rotating cast of visiting faculty will facilitate a series of activities, workshops and debates. The series of seminars will be accompanied with: podcasts by Elle Clay, editorial pieces by Cabinet Magazine and Our Machine’s graphic