How can scientific ideas be felt, worn, or even danced? Immerse yourself in innovative breakdancing performances, revealing the University of Zurich’s n mesh knitwear collection in unique artistic acts by world renowned breaking crew XII After Ours at Expo 2025, Osaka!
Co-created by scientists and artists, the collection draws inspiration from dialogues around complex research questions. From astrophysics to molecular biology, through neuroscience and more, each piece explores a frontier of knowledge and translates scientific concepts into tactile, wearable art.
The Swiss Pavilion will also open its doors for a special session of discovery and conversation! Join us for a transdisciplinary talk on gravity featuring special guests from Switzerland and Japan to explore this fundamental force from surprising perspectives.
Outline
September 22, Monday:
Breaking battle by XII After Ours at Inner East Stage (afternoon and/or evening)
September 23, Tuesday:
Breaking battle by XII After Ours at Inner East Stage (morning tbc)
Showcase and talk event with XII After Ours, Prof. Masaki Yamashita (Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe, the University of Tokyo), and Dr. Katharina Weikl, the University of Zurich (afternoon) *invitation only.
Additional Event information
After exploring the themes of Augmented Human and Life, the Swiss Pavilion enters the final stretch of Expo 2025 with a focus on Planet. Dancers and particle physicist Professor Masaki Yamashita will explore the concept of gravity through movement and science.
If you are in Switzerland: the collection will also be presented at Mode Suisse in the Kunsthaus Zurich on September 1, 2025, and at schwarzecafé | Luma westbau in the Löwenbräukunst art center during Zurich Design Weeks September 4-14, 2025.
The transdisciplinary collection n mesh was designed by:
Leonie Böhm (theatre) × Prof. Sebastian Jessberger (neuroscience)
Andrea Mettler (design) × Prof. Laura Baudis (astrophysics)
Mirabella Morganti (design) × Prof. Greta Patzke & Walker Marks (chemistry)
AG-stoen (costume design) × Prof. Monika Dommann (history)
ALP Atelier Landolt-Pfister (design) × Prof. Annelies Zinkernagel (infectiology)
Anna Anderegg (performance art) × Prof. Helen Keller (human rights)
Richard Ibghy & Marilou Lemmens (fine arts) × Prof. Alexander Wagner (sustainable finance)
Event Description
Talk Event*
Guests:
- XII After Ours
- Prof. Masaki Yamashita, Project Associate Professor Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe, the University of Tokyo
- Dr. Katharina Weikl, Head of Art x Science Office, UZH
- Moderator: tba
Venue: Swiss Pavilion (https://maps.app.goo.gl/BcQBApPrYeWm3nfs7)
*invitation only
Breaking Performances
Performers: XII After Ours, DJ Tee, MC Kentaraw, with visuals by stuedio.xyz
Venue: Inner East Stage (https://maps.app.goo.gl/BpQQjDzsuSQWksck6)
Tickets: To access the Inner East Stage and watch the performance, an Expo ticket valid on the day of the event is needed. No registration or additional tickets are required.
About
The Art x Science Office of the University of Zurich, headed by Dr. Katharina Weikl, initiates interdisciplinary collaborations between scientists and artists, bridging gaps between, art, science, and society. It has established international presence and outreach by showcasing installations and exhibitions in renowned venues including the Kunsthalle and Museum für Gestaltung (Zurich, Switzerland), the Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai (China), the Mun Gallery in the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (Seoul, South Korea), or the Bengaluru Science Gallery (Bengaluru, India). XII After Ours is a globally acclaimed Japanese breaking crew made up of seven b-girls and b-boys: Shigekix, Tsukki, Ra1on, Y-HI, RAM, NANOHA, and AYANE. Known for pushing the boundaries of movement and performance art, the crew has gained international recognition for their dynamic routines and standout achievements, both as a team and individually, including at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.
Prof. Masaki Yamashita ask for bio
Science & Technology Office Tokyo located at the Embassy of Switzerland in Tokyo and part of the Swissnex Network, the STO Tokyo supports Switzerland and Japan’s bilateral cooperation in education, research, and innovation by facilitating academic exchanges and promoting Switzerland as a leading destination for higher education and scientific research. It connects Swiss research institutes and universities with counterparts and industrial partners in Japan to foster collaborative innovation.
Additionally, the office brings Switzerland’s high-tech startups and university spin-offs to the attention of Japanese business and financial partners, strengthening ties between the two countries’ innovation ecosystems.
Find out more about the organisers here:
