-1 Séances #1: Desire&Technology Reading Group

The idea behind the Desire&Technology series is to make academic knowledge more accessible without oversimplifying it. Reading s essential for critical engagement yet can be daunting. The aim is to provide a welcoming setting for exploring theoretical perspectives outside academia. Theory is in fact a form of practice as it can help us understand the present and orient ourselves collectively in an increasingly technified and rapidly changing world.

For the opening session, philosopher and musician Giacomo Gilmozzi and -1 co-organiser Manuela Zammit will reflect on our current situation and the importance of providing spaces for collective critical engagement with technology and digital culture. They draw inspiration from the work of philosophers Félix Guattari and Bernard Stiegler, as well as cultural theorist Mark Fisher. After the public presentation, there will be a short break, followed by a closed discussion of selected texts by these thinkers.

No familiarity with theory or philosophy is required to attend and participate.

Programme

• 18:30: Public presentation: Frameworks of/for Desire by Giacomo Gilmozzi and Manuela Zammit in the -1 Digital Lab
• 19:30: Short break
• 20:00: Core reading group convenes for closed discussion in the -1 Digital Lab
• 21:00: Event concludes

Giacomo Gilmozzi
Giacomo Gilmozzi is a philosopher and musician. His interests range from political philosophy and the philosophy of technology to social and climate justice. He has collaborated with Bernard Stiegler at the Institut de recherche et d’innovation du Centre Pompidou in Paris where he coordinated the International Collective and the publication of its book Bifurcate: There Is No Alternative (2021). He also led projects with NGOs, association and public administrations in Seine-Saint-Denis (France) and Lecco (Italy).

Manuela Zammit
Manuela Zammit is an art historian specialising in modern and contemporary art. She coordinates the Research department at Nieuwe Instituut and co-runs -1 Digital Lab. She lectures part-time on the MKDA Bachelor’s degree programme at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where she is also a PhD candidate.

-1 Digital Lab
-1 Digital Lab is a research studio and experimental space and for digital culture, located in the basement of the Nieuwe Instituut. In 2026, the team at -1 Digital Lab will be exploring the theme of technology and desire. As well as the Desire&Technology reading group, we are also organising a public programme series called Encounters, supporting six artists- and researchers-in-residence, and hosting a home-brewed Dungeons & Dragons campaign on the last Friday of every month.