Natural Habitat is a virtual museum for internet art. Founded in 2019 by Alex Kälin in Zürich, Switzerland.
The museum celebrates exceptional art that floats on the internet. It aims to put internet art in the limelight and encourage its development. Our mission is to show how internet art is part of art history. We are committed to give a place to internet art and make it understood by a broader audience. The museum aspires to be easily understandable for everyone interested.
Collection
The collection contains information about pieces such as “Priceless” by Kevin Abosch and Ai Weiwei or “*MOUCHETTE*” by Martine Neddam that reflect on how we live our lives in an interconnected world. The collection explores the possibilities and limits of the medium internet. It includes subjects such as connectivity, interaction, value, chance, identity and control.
Numbers
59 Artworks
1 Publications
1 Emulators
1 Exhibitions
exhibitions
#StayHomeGoViral
19.03.2020 – 31.10.2020
But is it art?
17.07.2019 – 17.01.2020
extended until 17.03.2020 due to popular demand
Alex Kälin
Director
Alex Kälin is a Multimedia Producer, his work focuses on cultural journalism. He studied Multimedia Production in Bern and has worked in desktop publishing, graphic design and film. He became the founder and director of “Natural Habitat”, a digital museum for internet art, due to his interest in fostering the art movement. Currently he leads the Natural Habitat Association and keeps the collection growing.
The first pieces he acquired information about were “PEPE WEST”, “No Fun”, “King's Cross Phone-In”. He aims to collect information about some great things that happened to the internet so they can't be forgotten as easily as all the bullshit online.
Diana Lira
Head Curator
Diana Lira is an independent curator and adviser, focusing on the intersection between fine arts, technology and economy. She studied Biology, completed the program of the MA Curatorial Studies and recently concluded her MA in Transdisciplinary Studies in Arts. She counts on 10 years of experience in the contemporary fine arts system in different positions, performing different roles. She became a specialist in developing cross-cultural collaborations between different individuals and organizations across the globe. Currently she works in the field of AI, consults start-ups and manages and advises emerging and established artists in specific steps throughout their career. She is the Head Curator of Natural Habitat.
Tobias Dupuch
Head Of Technology
Tobias Dupuch is an Interaction Designer and the prototype of a “jack of all trades”. While he rejects to exempt himself from the suspicion of being the traditionally accompanying master of none, it must be noted that his work as an artist has been featured in the collection before he joined the association as head of technology in late 2019. As a passionate human-centered designer who codes he will not only help forming but also realizing the future of the Museum.