Leopoldina becomes a venue for art focused on autonomy - Leopoldina unveils bold art installations exploring autonomy ahead of Annual Assembly

The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina will showcase two large-scale art installations at its Halle headquarters. These works, exploring the theme of Autonomy, were chosen in partnership with the Art Foundation of Saxony-Anhalt. Both pieces will be unveiled on August 21, ahead of the academy's Annual Assembly in September.

The selected installations include Autonomy of the Doll by sculptor Julia Schleicher. Her work features oversized cocoons and doll-like figures, examining the transformation inside an insect's protective shell. The piece engages with the autonomous biological process of metamorphosis, tying into the assembly's central theme.

The second project, Collective Autonomy, comes from artist collective Klub7. Their outdoor installation combines wood, fabrics, sound, and led lights. By day, the structure will stand as a visual piece, while after dark, illuminated and audio elements will extend its presence beyond the academy's boundaries.

These installations were commissioned as part of a wider collaboration between the Leopoldina and the Kunststiftung Sachsen-Anhalt. The academy has previously supported similar initiatives, mirroring efforts like the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light's Black Hole Sun and the film project TRACING LIGHT, which bridge art and scientific inquiry.

The works will remain on display during the Leopoldina's Annual Assembly, scheduled for September 24 and 25 in Halle (Saale).

The two installations will offer visitors a chance to explore autonomy through artistic and biological perspectives. After their August debut, they will form part of the academy's 2026 annual event. The projects reflect the Leopoldina's ongoing commitment to merging science with creative expression.