History – Collection
The instinct of collection is rooted deeply in human nature. However the collecting lifestyle of our predeccesors from the Stone Age was not merely limited to getting food. Their attention was also attracted by the shining of certain stones, the extraordinary shape of individual bones, bird feathers, and the fantastic beauty of butterflies. Historic objects and jewelry from the ages of early civilizations are all reflecting their experience of having direct contact with nature. The collected mussels, shells, snail houses, fruits, animal body parts were all raw materials for tribal art. The body of their voodoos was decorated with tatooed totem animals, while their ritual objects were covered by conventional ornaments of wildlife. The simultaneous evolution of biological environment and culture had a significant effect on the conscience of these people on the long run.
New Age – The crisis of harmony
Throughout the development of our technical world, the possibilities provided by the direct contact between men and nature has become more and more neglected, leaving a space behind, both in biological and mental sense. As civilization evolved our day-to-day contact with nature has immensely changed, and partly disappeared. Our knowledge and experience obtained has been gradually lost. Nevertheless, for some extraordinary and unique moments when we meet intact nature, some of our forgotten feelings might return. In our opinion, the most important mission of science and art is to resolve this contradiction. Keeping this in mind, our goal is to create and nourish collections and to organize experience-based knowledge transfer through creative programs. As the administrator of beetle collection in private property, the ARTENTO Foundation supports scientific research, makes the collections accessible and presents them to the public, this way it contributes to the transmission of the values of natural environment. Our main area of expertise is the insect world, as well as the promotion and dissemination of the associated cognitive content. First and foremost, we build our programs on the creative potential inherent in the interaction of biology and art, and strive to further promote the popularity of insects.
Future – Agendas
A slight return to nature, which is a fundamental value for us.