Art Meets Science at HiFlow Geneva
On March 20, 2025, HiFlow Geneva hosted an Art Talk titled "Water: Humanity & Peace" as part of the Leaving the Island exhibition. Moderated by art critic and curator Marie Maertens—renowned for her insightful takes on the role of art in society—the event brought together voices from across disciplines to reflect on water as both a powerful metaphor and a pressing global issue. Christian Bréthaut, Associate Professor of Water Governance at the University of Geneva and Scientific Director of the Geneva Water Hub, joined the panel to explore how art and science intersect in addressing environmental governance and peacebuilding.
Running from January 28 to April 11, 2025, the Leaving the Island exhibition featured acclaimed artists such as Malala Andrialavidrazana, Latifa Echakhch, and Richard Tuttle. It explored water’s duality—its ability to connect or divide, nourish or destroy—through lenses of migration, identity, and ecological crisis.
This engaging conversation highlighted how artistic expression and scientific research can inform one another, emphasizing the importance of collective reflection and action in the face of global water challenges.
Featured Contributors:
- Christian Bréthaut, Associate Professor of Water Governance, University of Geneva; Scientific Director, Geneva Water Hub
- Marine Van Schoonbeek, Director General and Co-founder, Thanks for Nothing – a platform bridging art and social impact
- Barbara Polla, Gallerist, writer, and advocate for interdisciplinary cultural dialogue
