Nina Backman’s continuing performance series, Silence Meal experiments with silence as a method to increase intensity and sharpen the senses. The format gives the participating dinner guests an opportunity to experience what happens when all spoken interaction stops and is replaced by the silent community.  
  
The performance took place at the Welna estate, as a part of The Thinking Forest Foundation program.  The program includes also a seminar by curator Alice Bonnot, and a conversation between artist Germaine Kruip, art consultant Siebe Tettero and artist Nina Backman, moderated by Alice Bonnot.

Thinking Forest is a radically sustainable exhibition space, where ecology, contemporary art and science meet in a production forest. The double meaning of ‘Thinking Forest’ points to both the natural wisdom of the forest as an ecosystem and a place to think, reflect and learn; an organic model for the development and the spreading of seedling ideas. Within the forest, art and wood production, decay, biodiversity, science and a public program come together. Thus the notion of ‘production forest’ can be reimagined as beneficial to all nature, humans included, instead of nature’s submission. Thinking Forest is an initiative of artist Gerbrand Burger and it is realized by the Thinking Forest Foundation.

The food served in connection with the "Silence Meal" will be prepared by chefs Marieke and Giel from D.O.N.S. Catering / De Groene Ketel, who excel in a seasonal and visually inviting menu created with tasty local ingredients.  
The event is supported by: Finnish Cultural Foundation