Mabe Bethônico

Mabe Bethônico is a Brazilian artist, researcher, and Professor at ENSP Arles (since 2023) and HEAD Geneva (since 2018). Her work critically examines themes of Anthropocene, postcolonialism, and extractivism (particularly mining), blending artistic practice with academic research.

• Education: Master’s and PhD from the Royal College of Art, London
• Key Collaborations: Member of the international collective World of Matter (2005–2019), focusing on raw materials and ecological systems

Her recent research focuses on the intersections between digital infrastructures and material ecologies, exemplified in the 2024 video essay Bedrocks for Digital Systems (with Victor Galvão). She also investigates decolonial narratives in art through projects like Stones, Words, Images (2023).

Scientific Awards:

• 2013: Four Brazilian awards for postdoctoral research One Traveller after Another (supported by CNPq)

Upcoming projects include Beyond the Grain (2024–2025) in collaboration with HEAD Geneva and ENSP Arles, and the Planetary Peasants exhibition at Moritzburg Museum (2025). She has exhibited globally, including at the Venice Architecture Biennale, São Paulo Biennales, and Centre Pompidou.