Anja Groten^(DE)

Anja Groten is an independent designer and researcher based in Amsterdam. Investigating the possibilities of an agonistic design practice, Anja explores the use of external forces during her working process while designing collective moments aimed at provoking confrontation and the unexpected. Anja works on (self-) commissions and besides tutors at the Sandberg Instituut, and the Willem de Kooning Academy.

In 2013 Anja co-founded the initiative Hackers & Designers (H&D), attempting to break down the barriers between the two fields by enforcing a common vocabulary through education, hacks and collaboration. By researching, and breaking apart technology, H&D seeks to investigate larger societal questions about our reliance on dominant forms of technology.

Lecture abstract

In a time where machines produce, distribute and mediate culture, it is not enough to put innovation on the agendas of policy makers. It is time to claim, demystify and question technology. This talk aims to reconsider the politics of tools and technologies that influence our imagination and design practices.