Clemens von Wedemeyer – Mehrheiten [Majorities]
Culture | History
18+

Clemens von Wedemeyer – Mehrheiten [Majorities]

Clemens von Wedemeyer – Mehrheiten
Germany Leipzig 2019 27

The exhibition critically examines the evolution of mass mobilization and crowd dynamics in both historical and contemporary contexts, drawing inspiration from Elias Canetti’s “Crowds and Power.” Set against the backdrop of the GfZK’s new architectural space, the exhibition engages with the complexities of collective action, exploring how digital public spheres shape democratic participation while simultaneously being exploited for exclusionary practices. Featuring a rich array of video installations and cinematic works, including the new production “70.001,” which reimagines the 1989 Leipzig demonstrations, “Majorities” invites reflection on the nuances of social behavior and the implications of simulated experiences in gaming and surveillance. Through this thoughtful presentation, Wedemeyer prompts us to consider the intertwining narratives of isolation and community, resonating powerfully in today’s fragmented society.

Why should you watch this?

Watching this guided tour is crucial in our current landscape marked by digital polarization and the resurgence of mass movements. As societies grapple with issues of identity, representation, and exclusion within online spaces, this exhibition offers a vital framework for understanding how crowd dynamics shape our collective psyche and political discourse. In an age where social media can amplify divisive ideologies, gaining insights into the historical and psychological underpinnings of mass mobilization is essential. The tour encourages participants to critically examine how these dynamics operate today, heightening awareness of the fine line between community engagement and manipulation. By exploring these themes, viewers are invited to reflect on their agency within the digital public sphere, making the experience not just an exploration of art and history, but also a compelling call to engage thoughtfully in the ongoing dialogue about democracy and social responsibility in our interconnected world.

Victoria Lomasko. Other Russias
Arts | Society & Politics
18+

Victoria Lomasko. Other Russias

Switzerland Basel 2019 41

Victoria Lomasko’s retrospective at Cartoonmuseum Basel invites viewers to engage deeply with her explorations of Russia’s marginalized communities. This vibrant exhibition showcases her striking murals and drawings, which intricately depict the lives of LGBT activists, sex workers, and migrant laborers. Through her keen observations and bold, expressive style, Lomasko highlights the social injustices and political repression faced by these groups.

Why should you watch this?

Victoria Lomasko’s retrospective at Cartoonmuseum Basel resonates profoundly with today’s global landscape of social justice and human rights. As she illuminates the lives of Russia’s marginalized communities, her work serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by those often overlooked in society. In a world increasingly confronted with issues of inequality, discrimination, and political repression, Lomasko’s murals and drawings act as both a testament to resilience and a call for advocacy. By capturing the essence of these lived experiences she invites audiences to reflect on the shared responsibility we hold in addressing injustices, igniting conversations that transcend borders. The exhibition serves as both a visual narrative and a call to action, reflecting her long-standing commitment to human rights advocacy. This exhibition underscores the enduring relevance of her work in fostering empathy and inspiring change in our contemporary era.

Raqs Media Collective. Everything Else is Ordinary
Arts | Philosophy | Society & Politics
18+

Raqs Media Collective. Everything Else is Ordinary

Germany Dusseldorf 2018 97
The Raqs Media Collective, founded in 1992 in New Delhi by Jeebesh Bagchi, Monica Narula, and Shuddhabrata Sengupta, operates at the intersection of contemporary art, historical inquiry, philosophical speculation, and political critique. Their work probes the fundamental, often elusive, concepts of time, language, and history, challenging linear narratives and fixed interpretations. Central to their practice is the interrogation of time — not merely as a measurable entity but as a force that governs societal rhythms, disciplines human life, and underpins capitalist structures. In works such as Escapement (2009) and Re-Run (2013), they explore how time shapes experience, asking what it means to measure time and how it intersects with space and history.

Why should you watch this?

The Raqs Media Collective’s exploration of time as a force shaping human experience offers a profound critique of how society functions under capitalism. Their works challenge traditional notions of time, revealing its role in regulating life and framing historical narratives. By dismantling these fixed interpretations, they invite audiences to rethink the ways time is measured, experienced, and manipulated. In doing so, their practice merges art, history, and philosophy, making their work a compelling reflection on the rhythms that shape our individual and collective existence.