Mathias Antlfinger

Prof. Mathias Antlfinger is a Professor of Multispecies Storytelling at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne and has served as Vice Rector for Planning and Finance since 2021. Collaborating with Ute Hörner since 1990, their work explores critical and utopian dimensions of human-animal-machine relationships through installations, videos, and sculptures. They co-founded the interspecies collective CMUK with grey parrots Clara and Karl in 2014 and are members of the Minding Animals network.

• Studied sculpture at Stuttgart State Academy of Art (1983-88)
• Studied mathematics at University of Stuttgart
• Studied cybernetics at Kunstakademie Düsseldorf (1990-95)

Their research spans Multispecies Storytelling, Interspecies Collaboration, and Human-Animal-Machine Relationships, often interrogating social constructs and ethical interactions. Their work has been exhibited at institutions like Ars Electronica, ZKM Karlsruhe, and Kunsthalle Düsseldorf, emphasizing digital transformation and experimental media.

Scientific Awards:

• Kunststiftung NRW (2015)
• Prix Ars Electronica Honorary Mention (2012)
• Artists in Residence, Digital Art Center Taipei (2011)
• Edith Russ House for Media Arts (2010)
• Marler Video-Installation Award (2008)
• ars viva award (2001)