Louise Mackenzie

Louise Mackenzie is an artist, filmmaker, curator and researcher. Her practice explores human relationships with the non-human world using methodologies based in process, chance, appropriation and translation. With an interest in experimental and experiential practices, sound and new/found media play an important role in her work. At the HBBE, Louise’s research will explore relationships between the researchers in the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment (HBBE), members of the public and non-human life in the home.


Louise holds a PhD in Fine Art from BxNU Institute of Contemporary Art, is a member of the Cultural Negotiation of Science Research Group and the Hybrid Lab Network. Through her post-doctoral research at the University of Porto and Northumbria University, she has developed a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to critical engagement with scientific practice. She is founder and curator of interdisciplinary pop-up cinema, Black Box and interdisciplinary community for research in human/animal relationships, Alive Together.


Louise’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including FACTT Arte Institute (Lisbon), Ars Electronica (Linz), ISEA Montreal (Canada), Pomona Museum of Art, California (USA), National Library of Spain, Madrid (Spain), BALTIC CCA, Newcastle (UK), Charles Darwin House, London (UK), Basement 6 Collective, Shanghai (China), Summerhall, Edinburgh (UK), Hatton Gallery, Newcastle (UK), Lumiere Durham (UK) and Fort Process, Newhaven (UK). Current projects include BE THE SEA, with Seascapes, Sunderland University and Durham Wildlife Trust and Offering the Body.