The selection committee for the second edition of the Barcelona Crea – HacTe Scholarship “Knowing not knowing: arid territories” formed by Zoila Babot (BIST), Antonio Gagliano (Hangar) and Tere Badia (HacTe) has decided to select From pixel to rare earth. RGB –> REE by Blanca Pujals as a research project awarded a grant in the 2026 call.
The proposal explores the relationships between the contemporary digital territory and the material infrastructures that make it possible, based on tracing where the colors we see on our screens come from. The research is part of the current context of growing geopolitical competition for critical minerals, and investigates the ecological, social and territorial impacts associated with the extraction of these materials often presented as essential for the energy and technological transition.
Blanca Pujals is an architect, space researcher and visual artist. Her transdisciplinary practice explores the geopolitical and material dimensions of contemporary techno-scientific infrastructures. Her work includes audiovisual installations, architecture, conferences, curatorial projects, teaching and writing.
The research will be carried out between September and November 2026 and will establish collaborative links with researchers from the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and the geologist Josep Maria Mata Perelló.
Projects in reserve
The selection committee has highlighted two projects in reserve, in the following order of priority:
| Name | Project |
| The Moon and the Chimera | Soil and Cosmos How does matter learn to live? |
| Hamill Industries and Joan Llort | AGGREGATES / INTERSTICE. An aesthetic and scientific exploration of the limits of aridity |
We thank all the people who have applied to the call for their time and interest.
Barcelona Crea 2026 Scholarship, with the support of the Institute of Culture – Barcelona City Council.
