The call of the O’o. Nature under pressure

The Hawaiian Kauai Oo has died out. The sound of the last male of this species of bird calling in vain to attract a female was captured on tape. This autumn you can hear this remarkable recording at the Allard Pierson in The call of the O’o: Nature under pressure. The main question addressed during this event is: How do humans relate to nature?

We shed light on the relationship between the people of western Europe and nature, from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century, with an extensive exhibition and supporting programme of activities. The aim of the event is to raise awareness of the accelerated extinction of many species of plants and animals. Wonderful drawings, books and prints illustrate how western Europeans have studied and depicted nature, and what their motives and values were. An inquisitive mind and a sense of wonder went hand in hand with hunting, overexploitation and destruction of habitats. Why did humans view themselves as standing outside of nature for centuries?
The exhibition includes works by contemporary artists that relate to historical stories and clarify the impact of history on the present.

Visitors can take part in workshops, debates, expert talks, drawing lessons, film screenings and more. Together with our partners and visitors, we dive deeper into the state of scientific knowledge and highlight hopeful initiatives. Special programmes are being developed for school groups and for visitors with children.

The call of the o’o is made possible thanks to Culture Fund, Mondriaan Fund, Turing Foundation, Fund 21, Triodos Foundation, Iona Foundation, Nut Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Fund, Stichting de Hoorn and in cooperation with the World Wildlife Fund and IBED (Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics).

Inge Scheijde