What if beetles and fungi were not just regarded as pests, but as co-creators? From 28 June to 21 September, the Kunstgewerbemuseum Berlin is presenting ‘Symbiotic Wood’, an exhibition that challenges our perceptions of the relationship between humans, materials and the environment.

The Berlin exhibition shows how wood marked by beetles and fungi can be transformed from an economically devalued material into a source of creative and design innovation. By challenging conventional ideas of quality and usability, the exhibition offers new insights into design processes in the more-than-human era.

From Damage to Resource

The exhibition begins with a scientific examination of the causes of beetle and fungal infestations, which are rooted in climate change and the vulnerability of monocultures. It reveals the intricate ecological interplay between forestry, climate change, and forest health, prompting reflection on our future management of wood.

The second section highlights cultural narratives, presenting beetles and fungi as active participants in an expanded design process. Alongside design objects and artworks, the exhibition features ceramic casts of trees in Berlin — a poetic nod to the symbiotic relationship between nature and the city.

Material Architecture in the Courtyard

The highlight is a walk-in installation in the museum’s courtyard. Drawing on crate storage systems, beetle-affected wood is not only showcased but also made visible as a potential future resource. Visitors can tactilely explore the different textures of infested wood — an invitation to revalue what is seemingly worthless.

Participating artists include Pelin Asa, Karola Dierichs, Anna Kubelík, and Nuri Kang, among others. The exhibition is complemented by the symposium Symbiotic Futures 2.0 on 4 July. The closing weekend on 20 and 21 September offers the opportunity to take away parts of the installation — as a symbol of a decentralised, symbiotic network.

The interdisciplinary exhibition is part of the More-than-Human series and was developed in collaboration with the Matters of Activity Excellence Cluster at Humboldt University Berlin as part of the __matter Festival 2025. The curator is Karola Dierichs.