__about

Harm van den Berg is an artist whose experimental and investigative practice is grounded in research at the intersection of art and science. His work explores the invisible dynamics and self-organizing processes present in natural systems. He focuses on the concept of emergence—where new forms arise through fundamental principles of self-organization that shape physical reality. Emergence is the spontaneous formation of new forms and structures without external guidance—a process observable in nature, technology, and social systems. Consider a flock of birds forming intricate patterns in the sky or ants collectively building elaborate structures.

Colour, for example, is also an emergent phenomenon: molecules do not have colour. Colour appears only when a large number of atoms are arranged in a specific way. Similarly, artificial intelligence appears to develop a form of ‘consciousness’ from vast amounts of data and probability calculations. To examine these phenomena, Van den Berg utilizes a variety of media, including drawing and sound, to reveal the underlying structures of non-hierarchical networks and systems, providing a comprehensive investigation into the nature of creation by venturing into the realm where chaos transitions into order.

In his drawing series, Van den Berg establishes a set of self-imposed rules, meticulously crafting numerous small graphic elements leading to emergent, complex patterns and cloud-like structures. They unfold unpredictably. By intentionally relinquishing control over the process, he enables complexity to develop organically.

Van den Berg’s process-driven sound works further explore the role of chance, deliberately moving away from the notion of a predetermined outcome. He constructs immersive sonic environments from various sound samples, offering an experience that engages beyond the visual realm. In recent years, his practice has expanded to include algorithms and artificial intelligence, both as tools and subjects of investigation at the same time. By incorporating these technologies as creative mediums, Van den Berg explores the balance between handing over control to automated systems and maintaining the integrity of artistic authorship.

Harm van den Berg, born in 1970 in Amsterdam. At the age of 16, he began drawing technical designs for his father, primarily an urban designer and architect. In 1996, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam. Together with composer Vincent van Warmerdam, he co-founded the sound studio De Slapende Hond.

Van den Berg has performed at notable venues such as The Paviljoens Museum in Almere, Netherlands; Zoo Gallery in Nantes, France; Galeria Klovicevi in Zagreb, Croatia; and the Crossing Border Festival in Amsterdam. His work has been exhibited at a wide range of institutions, including Kunsthal KAdE, Museum Belvedere, Kunstvereniging Diepenheim, the Goethe Institute in Amsterdam, the Netherlands Media Art Institute, W139, Stroom HCBK, Arti et Amicitiae in Amsterdam, De Voorkamer in Lier, Belgium, and the AC Institute in New York City. He has received grants from the Mondrian Fund and the Amsterdam Fund for the Arts, enabling him to continue his research and artistic practice. Van den Berg currently lives and works in Amsterdam.

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