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frontviews presents at HAUNT – There is Hope
A group exhibition showcases works by twelve artist, featuring performances and interactive experiences, from April 16th to May 10th.
An Exhibition of Hope and Artistic Expression
Berlin-based art collective frontviews presents “There is Hope,” an exhibition at HAUNT, featuring a diverse lineup of artists: Martin Assig, Alice Dittmar, Stella Geppert, Kerstin Grimm, Halina Hildebrand, John Isaacs, Dirk Lange, Jakob Mattner, Felix Rehfeld, Dennis Scholl, Gabriela Volanti, Sandra Vasquez de la Horra, and Sofiia Yesakova. Curated by Dr. Erika Schlessinger-Költzsch, the exhibition explores themes of resilience, transformation, and optimism.
Programme Highlights
Vernissage
Saturday, April 12 | 6 – 9 PM
Featuring a live performance by Stella Geppert & friends at 7 PMGallery Weekend
Friday, May 2 – Sunday, May 4 | 2 – 7 PM daily
Special events include:- FRIDAY BIRD Picnic
Saturday, May 3 | 2 – 5 PM
Edible sculpture by Melina Matzanke & Aline Schwörer - Performance
Saturday, May 3 | 5 PM
Live performance by Stella Geppert & friends
Finissage
Saturday, May 10 | 5 – 8 PM
Featuring an Artist Talk at 6 PMExhibition Details
- Duration: April 16 – May 10, 2025
- Opening Times: Wednesday – Saturday, 2 – 6 PM (or by personal appointment)
Location & Accessibility
frontviews at HAUNT
Kluckstraße 23 A (Yard)
D-10785 BerlinPublic Transport:
- Bus: M48 or M85 from Potsdamer Platz (Lützowstr./Potsdamer Str.), 4 min walk
- U-Bahn: Kurfürstenstraße (U1/U3), 6 min walk
- M29 Bus: Gedenkstätte Dt. Widerstand, 2 min walk
Additional Information
The project is generously supported by the Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion and made possible through the initiative of the entire collective.
For more details, visit:
Follow Us on Social Media:
- Instagram: @frontviews_
- Instagram: @haunt_berlin
For inquiries, contact: office@frontviews.de
Taged as/in; 2025, Alice Dittmar, Aline Schwörer, Dennis Scholl, Dirk Lange, Dr. Erika Schlessinger-Költzsch, Felix Rehfeld, finissage, Gabriela Volanti, Gallery Weekend, Halina Hildebrand, Jakob Mattner, John Isaacs, Kerstin Grimm, Martin Assig, Melina Matzanke, optimism, resilience, Sandra Vasquez de la Horra, Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion, Sofiia Yesakova, Stella Geppert, Stella Geppert & friends, transformation, vernissage#writtenby
- FRIDAY BIRD Picnic
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Brücke Museum: Das Begleitprogamm im April
Entdecken Sie das Begleitprogramm zur Ausstellung 120 Jahre Brücke im Brücke-Museum – mit Talks, Workshops & Touren für alle vom 29. März bis 22. Juni 2025!
Das Brücke Museum lädt Sie herzlich zum Begleitprogramm der Ausstellung
120 Jahre Brücke. 120 Berliner*innen. 120 Werke (29. März – 22. Juni 2025) ein.
The Brücke Museum warmly invites you to the accompanying programme of the exhibition 120 Years of Brücke. 120 Berliners. 120 Artworks (29 March – 22 June 2025).
RUNDGÄNGE / TOURS
Perfect Match mit Sonja Eismann
So, 6.4., 15 Uhr (DE)
120 Berliner*innen haben jeweils ein Kunstwerk aus der Sammlung des Brücke-Museums ausgewählt. In einem Perfect Match sprechen einige der Co-Kurator*innen mit Mitarbeiter*innen des Museums über ihre Verbindung zur Brücke.
Die Assistenzkuratorin Valentina Bay lädt Sonja Eismann, Journalistin und Mitherausgeberin des Missy Magazines, zu einem Gespräch ein, um ihre Eindrücke zu teilen.
Öffentliche Rundgänge / Public Tours
Jeden Sonntag, 12 Uhr (DE)
Sun, 13.4. / 20.4., 2 pm (EN)Mit / with Dalila Daut, Karen Michelsen Castañón, Thesea Rigou, und / and Tanja-Bianca Schmidt
Installationsansicht 120 Jahre Brücke. 120 Berliner*innen. 120 Werke, Brücke-Museum 2025, Foto: Nick Ash FORTBILDUNG / TRAINING
Kunstvermittlung und Antragstraining für freischaffende Künstler*innen (für migrantisierte Personen)
Mit Peira (Chris Herzog und Alma Wellner Bou) mit Begleitung von Ximena G. Toro (Assitenzkuratorin, Brücke-Museum).
Termine: Fr, 11.4. und Fr, 16.5., 13–18 Uhr (DE / EN), zweitägige Fortbildung
Anmeldung per Mail an info@bruecke-museum.de, weitere Informationen auf der Website.
Fritz Bleyl, Der Pelikan, 1904, Farbholzschnitt in Schwarz und Gelb, Brücke-Museum © Bleyl, Berlin/Solingen WORSKHOPS IM / AT WALDRAUM
Für Jugendliche und Erwachsene / For teens and adults:
Stretching Sessions
Zeichenkurs für Erwachsene
Mit Meeting Lines (Künstlerisches Kollektiv / Marcos García Pérez und Carla Schliephack).
Sa, 12.4., 11–15 Uhr (DE / EN / ES)
Offene Druckwerkstatt: Holzschnitt
Mit Yili Rojas (Künstlerin)
So, 13.4., 12–16 Uhr (DE / EN / ES / PT)
Frauen drucken Brücken
Linolschnitt-Workshop für Personen, die sich als Frauen identifizieren
Mit Frauen Machen Druck (Offene Werkstatt für Frauen / Daniela Herig, Fatima Musaad Abdelrahman, Ximena G. Toro und Yili Rojas).
Sa, 26.4., 12–16 Uhr (DE / AR / ES / PT / EN)
Für Kinder und Familien / For kids and families: ¡Linien los!
Ein kollektiver Zeichenworkshop für Kinder und ihre Begleitpersonen
Mit Meeting Lines (Künstlerisches Kollektiv / Marcos García Pérez und Carla Schliephack).
So, 27.4. / 25.5., 13-16 Uhr (DE / EN / ES)
Die Workshops finden hauptsächlich auf Deutsch statt. Für Zugänglichkeit geben wir die Sprachen der Workshopleiter*innen an. Wenn Sie sich mit der deutschen Sprache nicht sicher fühlen, machen Sie sich keine Sorgen. Sie können trotzdem teilnehmen. The workshops will be held mainly in German. For accessibility, we indicate the languages of the faciliators to make it more accessible. If you don’t feel confident with the German language, don’t worry. You can still participate.
Workshop im Waldraum, Foto: Katie Lee Dinbar BUCHUNG UND INFORMATION / BOOKING AND INFORMATION
Die Teilnahme an öffentlichen Veranstaltungen ist im Museumseintritt enthalten. / Participation in public events is included with the museum admission.Anmeldung für Workshops und Gruppenbuchungen bei / Registration for workshops and group tours at:Museumsdienst Berlin
www.museumsdienst.berlin/kontaktFür weitere Informationen zum Programm besuchen Sie gern unsere Webseite / For further information to the programme, please visit our website:
© 2025 Brücke-Museum, alle Rechte vorbehalten
Brücke-Museum
Bussardsteig 9
D-14195 Berlin+49 (0)30 8390 0860
info@bruecke-museum.deTaged as/in; »120 Jahre Brücke. 120 Berliner*innen. 120 Werke«, »120 Years of Brücke. 120 Berliners. 120 Artworks«, »Meeting Lines«, »Perfect Match«, Alma Wellner Bou, Brücke Museum, Carla Schliephack, Chris Herzog, Dalila Daut, Daniela Herig, Fatima Musaad Abdelrahman, FORTBILDUNG, Karen Michelsen Castañón, Kurator:innen, Marcos García Pérez, Missy Magazine, Öffentliche Rundgänge, Public Tours, Tanja-Bianca Schmidt, Thesea Rigou, TRAINING, Ximena G. Toro, Yili Rojas#writtenby
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“THE AGE OF CEREMONY” by Vasil Berela & Jana Jacob
The Age of Ceremony brings together two distinct artistic voices, both exploring the human form as a way to navigate identity, vulnerability and transformation.
OPENING: 02 MAY 2025 | 17-20:00
ON SHOW: 03.05 – 07.06.2025 | Tue-Sat | 11-19:00.In a time of disconnection and hyper-visibility, the exhibition honors the quiet rituals of being—moments of self-reflection, emotional unraveling, and private acts of presence. Through their respective works, Berela and Jacob reveal the body as a vessel for deeper psychological and existential inquiry.
Vasil Berela
Vasil Berela, artist’s portrait Berela’s work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions in Berlin and internationally, making him an established artist. His multidisciplinary practice explores themes of human emotion, alienation, and the fragility of life. Berela often shows the body within geometric, laboratory-like environments. In his artworks, the line between the internal and the external is blurry, the curious worlds he creates exist within a completely unique third space.
Jana Jacob
Jana Jacob, artist’s portrait, photo credit: Oscar Barbosa Jacob’s practice explores intimacy, identity, and the human experience through carefully rendered portraits. Her subjects are often nude, in domestic settings, making them appear fragile. In recent years, she has also been experimenting with self portraits, often incorporating household objects and Thai textiles into the images she creates. In doing that, Jacob finds a way to examine both personal history and cultural identity.
Jana Jacob, Cadeau, 2025 About the Galerie Sara Lily Perez
Galerie Sara Lily Perez (Galerie SLP), founded in 2021 by American art curator Sara Lily Perez, is a contemporary art gallery located at Budapester Str. 48 in Berlin’s Bikini Berlin complex. citeturn0search2 The gallery is dedicated to showcasing art that fosters meaningful conversations on social and environmental issues, promoting human equality and unity. citeturn0search12 It features a diverse range of mediums, including paintings, sculptures, digital art, and photography, and hosts monthly exhibitions, workshops, and events to engage the community and inspire positive change.
Galerie Sara Lily Perez
Budapester Str. 48, 10787 BerlinRSVP here.
Taged as/in; abstraction, aesthetics, art, Artists, artwork, ceremony, connection, contemporary, creativity, culture, emotion, exhibition, expression, figurative, Galerie Sara Lily Perez, gallery, humanform, Identity, Installation, introspection, Jana Jacob, modern, opening, painting, presence, Reflection, ritual, sculpture, silence, solitude, transformation, Vasil Berela, visual, vulnerability#writtenby
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Road to Nowhere: Tashi Brauen & Chris Bünter
Swiss artists Tashi Brauen and Chris Bünter continue their collaboration. The exhibition merges printmaking and collage at Ronewa Art Projects in Berlin.
The Artists’ Journey
The creative partnership between Tashi Brauen and Chris Bünter began spontaneously in 2020, rooted in friendship and artistic curiosity. What started as an impromptu studio visit evolved into a dynamic collaboration that embraces chance and experimentation.
A Fusion of Print and Collage
Brauen initiated the project by repurposing pages from the Swiss art and culture magazine Du, experimenting with rudimentary print techniques to create abstract, monochromatic compositions. Bünter then intervened, applying his signature cut-out technique, rotating, offsetting, and replacing elements to introduce unexpected visual tensions.
Surrealist Influences and Unpredictable Outcomes
Their approach recalls the Surrealist game “Exquisite Corpse,” in which artists build upon each other’s work in an unstructured, free-flowing manner. This method allows deconstruction and spontaneity to guide the final compositions, balancing control and intuition.
The Berlin Exhibition
Following successful exhibitions in Basel, Bern, and Zurich—where the city of Zurich acquired a selection of their works—Road to Nowhere presents 14 new pieces in Berlin. The exhibition marks another step in their evolving dialogue and artistic exchange.
Event Details
The opening reception takes place on April 24, 2025, from 18:00 to 21:00 at Ronewa Art Projects, with both artists in attendance. The event also serves as the Berlin launch of Tashi Brauen’s book Hold On, a retrospective of his artistic career over the past 15 years.
Exhibition Information
- Opening Reception: April 24, 2025, 18:00–21:00
- Exhibition Dates: April 25 – June 14, 2025
- Opening Hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 12:00–18:00
About the Artists
Tashi Brauen, based in Zurich, explores material transformations through print, sculpture, and mixed media. His works are featured in Swiss public collections and international private holdings.
Chris Bünter, also Zurich-based, is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans drawing, text art, collage, and installation. He is known for his contributions to contemporary art publications and his collaborative artistic ventures.
For further details, check Ronewa Art Projects.
Taged as/in; Abstract Art, art, art book launch, art event, artistic collaboration, Basel art scene, Berlin exhibition, Bern exhibition, Chris Bünter, Collage, contemporary art, deconstruction, Du magazine, exhibition, experimental art, Exquisite Corpse, Hold On, intuition, Mixed Media, modern art, opening, printmaking, Road to Nowhere, Ronewa Art Projects, Surrealist art, Swiss artists, Tashi Brauen, visual tension, Zurich art collection, Zurich artists#writtenby
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Timeless Beauty: The Art of Pas de Saints Studio
Discover the unique world of Pas de Saints Studio, where handcrafted accessories blend elegance and artistry for timeless beauty.
A Fusion of Fashion, Art, and Athleticism
In the world of contemporary art and fashion, few have managed to merge the worlds of high couture, visual arts, and sports culture as seamlessly as Charlotte Sophie Klasen. Through her innovative creations, Klasen has carved a unique niche. She blends elements of athletic performance with the bold aesthetics of fashion. Her work also has the immersive appeal of fine art.
Based in Germany, Klasen’s studio, Pas des Saints Studio, serves as the creative hub for her groundbreaking works. Her approach is not merely about designing clothing or painting. “It’s about telling a story through every piece”, explains Klasen. This includes the expressive fluidity of her tennis-inspired collections or the striking visual impact of her art. The artist’s signature style is vibrant, dynamic, and uncompromising in its visual language. Reflecting her fascination with movement, sport, and the elegance of everyday moments.
Tennis Collection
Klasen’s work is distinct in its exploration of the intersection between sport and art, encapsulated most effectively in her Tennis Collection. These pieces draw inspiration from both the elegance and energy of tennis, transforming the sport into a symbol of poise and power.
Each design embodies her commitment to blending functionality with high art, presenting garments that are almost “too good for the court.” Yet, the precision and thoughtfulness behind these pieces make them perfect for those who wish to bring artistry into motion.
Beyond fashion, Klasen’s artwork expands into multiple mediums, including acrylic paintings, where her focus on geometry, perspective, and sharp contrasts creates mesmerizing visuals that echo her fashion pieces. The precision in her brushstrokes mirrors the discipline and determination found in athletic performance, reinforcing her belief that art, like sport, requires both mental and physical dedication.
TRUST COLLECTION BLUE
Trust as a symbol of God and faith. Makingthis collection special and unique. Blue as acalming color- symbolizing reliability. Inthe Catholic Church, the Virgin Mary ismost often depicted wearing blue, tosymbolize being “full of grace” by divinefavor.
Charlotte Klasen
PAS DE SAINTS STUDIO, Trust Collection: Hoodie and Shirt Pas des Saints Studio
With Pas des Saints Studio, Klasen invites the world to experience the beauty of her vision firsthand. She encourages a deeper appreciation for the artistry in every aspect of life—from the court to the canvas.
For those drawn to the fusion of fashion, sport, and high art, Charlotte Sophie Klasen is an artist whose work transcends boundaries and invites us to rethink the relationship between performance, aesthetics, and self-expression.
Taged as/in; acrylic paintings, artistry, berlin, brand, Charlotte Sophie Klasen, design, fashion, lifestyle, Pas de Saints Studio, Tennis Collection#writtenby
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Trashmaid Berlin: Turning Plastic Waste into Art & Awareness
Trashmaid Berlin transforms plastic waste into striking artworks, raising awareness about pollution and sustainability through creative environmental activism.
Art with a Purpose
Trashmaid Berlin is an environmental art initiative founded by German artist Heike Krause. The initiative is dedicated to transforming plastic waste into compelling artworks. These artworks highlight the pervasive issue of pollution in our oceans and urban environments.
Operating under the moniker Trashmaid Berlin, Krause collects discarded plastic from beaches and the streets of Berlin, repurposing these materials into assemblages, collages, sculptures, and installations. Her creations serve as a poignant commentary on the consequences of single-use plastics and aim to raise public awareness about environmental sustainability.
From Pollution to Creation
One of Krause’s notable projects is the “United Star of Europe,” initiated in December 2022. This collaborative endeavor involved trash collectors and artists from all 27 European Union member states, who contributed yellow plastic waste collected from their respective countries. The collected materials were assembled into a star-shaped artwork symbolizing unity and shared responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.
A Call for Change
Krause’s work has been featured in various exhibitions, including a piece displayed at the Illuseum Berlin near Alexanderplatz. This particular artwork is a Berlin flag made entirely from plastic waste. The waste was gathered from the city’s streets. It symbolizes the intersection of local culture and environmental activism.
Raising Awareness Through Art
Heike Krause, through Trashmaid Berlin, effectively merges art with environmental advocacy. She encourages individuals to reconsider their consumption habits. She also highlights the impact of plastic waste on the planet. Her innovative approach not only transforms discarded materials into thought-provoking art but also fosters a broader dialogue on sustainability and ecological responsibility.
Discover more about the project here.
About Trashmaid Berlin:
Heike Krause is a Berlin-based artist and communication expert who works under the name Trashmaid Berlin. She creates art from plastic waste, focusing on materials collected from beaches and Berlin’s streets. Through her work, she raises awareness about the environmental impact of single-use plastics and promotes sustainability. Her art has been featured in exhibitions such as the Illuseum Berlin, where she presented a Berlin flag made entirely from street-collected plastic waste. citeturn0search2
Taged as/in; Alexanderplatz, assemblage, berlin, Berlin artist, eco-friendly art, environment, environmental art, European Union, Heike Krause, Illuseum Berlin, ocean pollution, plastic waste art, recycled art, responsibility, star, Sustainability, Trashmaid Berlin, Upcycling#writtenby
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transmediale Update: Internship & video archive additions
Während die Bewerbungen für das transmediale Festival laufen, hier die Updates: Die Stream-Aufnahmen sind online und es gibt die Möglichkeit für ein Praktikum!
Wir befinden uns derzeit mitten im Auswahlverfahren für die Festivalkuration des nächsten Jahres und sind von der Resonanz überwältigt. Wir haben eine große Anzahl an Bewerbungen von talentierten Kurator:innen, Kollektiven und Denker:innen erhalten. Vielen Dank an alle, die sich beworben haben! Wir freuen uns darauf, das Ergebnis im kommenden Monat bekannt zu geben.
Das neu eingeführte Modell einer jährlich wechselnden Kuration ist eine wesentliche Veränderung. Es ist ein bewusster Schritt hin zu einer Perspektivenerweiterung im kritischen Diskurs über Medien, Kunst und digitale Kultur.
Das Team und der Beirat trafen die Entscheidung gemeinsam. Vertraute Expert:innen und langjährige Freund:innen der transmediale haben sie unterstützt. Zahlreiche anregende Diskussionen haben dazu beigetragen, festgefahrene Routinen aufzubrechen. Die Gespräche halfen, die Identität des Festivals pluralistischer zu gestalten.
Dieser Wechsel soll die transmediale dynamischer und anpassungsfähiger machen. Dies dient dazu, auf stetig wechselnde gesellschaftspolitische Realitäten zu reagieren. Zudem soll die Reichweite des Festivals auf noch mehr Communities ausweiten. Künstlerische Praxis wird immer im Mittelpunkt jeder Festivalausgabe stehen; durch Installationen, Performances, Filme und andere künstlerische Beiträge.
Darüber hinaus streben wir eine nachhaltigere Ausstellungsplanung im Zweijahresrhythmus an – die Vorbereitungen für unsere nächste große Ausstellung im Jahr 2027 sind bereits angelaufen.
PRAKTIKUMSSTELLE – Praktikum Archive & Redaktion
Wir suchen eine:n Praktikant:in, um uns in den Sommermonaten bei der Archivrecherche, der redaktionellen Arbeit und der Aufbereitung digitaler Inhalte zu unterstützen. Die Stelle ist offen für eingeschriebene Studierende. Sie sollten sich für Medienarchive interessieren. Auch kulturelle Programmarbeit und die Geschichte eines internationalen Festivals im Herzen von Berlin sind von Interesse. Wir freuen uns über englischsprachige Kandidat:innen (Deutsch ist ein Plus, aber keine Voraussetzung ⚘).
DOKUMENTATIONfile_under: tm25
Wer den Livestream in diesem Jahr verpasst hat, kann sich entspannt zurücklehnen. 🛏️ Jeden Monat veröffentlichen wir unter dem Label file_under: tm25 drei Videos aus dem Programm der transmediale 2025 im Miriam Makeba Auditorium.
Affective Proximities: A Genealogy of Queer Media Tactics
Das Gespräch zwischen Cait McKinney, David Isaac Hecht und Alexandra Juhasz beleuchtet, wie Taktiken, die durch frühe digitale Technologien wie home videos, E-Mail-Anhänge und MySQL-Datenbanksysteme angeregt wurden, heute in vernetzten Systemen wiederbelebt werden.
How to Make a Refugee
Ausgehend von Phil Collins’ Kurzfilm mit dem Titel how to make a refugee(1999) untersucht Thomas Keenans Vortrag das verwirrende Verhältnis zwischen Handlungsmacht und Repräsentation, das entsteht, wenn Menschen gezwungen sind, den Anspruch auf ihre eigene Menschlichkeit einzufordern und zu beweisen. Anschließend findet ein Gespräch zwischen ihm und Anna Engelhardt statt.
The Grid: A Lecture on Cybotron and Techno-Vernacular Expressionism
Anhand seiner Forschungen über Techno und die massenhafte Abwertung der Musikindustrie aus einer Black-Theory-Perspektive rekonstruiert DeForrest Brown, Jr. die analytische Philosophie und deren ideologische Beziehung zur digitalen-analogen User Experience.
Culture Moves Europe
Erstmals nimmt die transmediale an dem Projekt „Culture Moves Europe“ teil und lädt Künstler:innen und Kulturschaffende für drei Monate nach Berlin ein, wo sie ihre Praxis und Forschung weiterentwickeln können. In diesem Jahr nimmt die litauische Autorin und Kunstkritikerin Ieva Gražytė an dem Programm teil.
Das Residency Programm Culture Moves Europe wird von der Europäischen Union finanziert und vom Goethe-Institut umgesetzt.
Die Künstler:innen aus unseren weiteren Residency Programmen haben dieses Jahr bereits das Festival besucht und wir freuen uns darauf, sie im Juni wieder in Berlin willkommen zu heißen!Die Kulturstiftung des Bundes fördert die transmediale bereits seit 2004
als kulturelle Spitzeneinrichtung.Update transmediale: Internship & video archive additions
The platform Transmediale’s recently introduced annually rotating curatorial model marks a significant shift, reflecting a deliberate effort to broaden perspectives in the critical discourse surrounding media, art, and digital culture. This approach is the result of a collaborative decision made by the team and advisory board, with input from trusted experts and longstanding contributors. Through extensive discussions, they have explored ways to challenge established norms and shape the festival’s identity in a more pluralistic manner.
With this change, transmediale aims to become increasingly dynamic and responsive to shifting socio-political realities while extending its reach to a wider range of communities. Artistic practice remains central to the festival, with a continued focus on installations, performances, film, and other creative contributions.
Felicity Hammond, Dark Adaptation at transmediale 2025 Building on this evolution, transmediale is also transitioning to a more sustainable exhibition cycle, moving to a biennial format. Preparations for its next major exhibition, set for 2027, are already underway.
INTERNSHIP POSITION – Archival and Editorial Intern
We’re searching for an intern who can support us with archival research, editorial work, and digital content management during the summer months. The position is open to currently enrolled students who are interested in learning about media archives, cultural programming, and the history of an international festival in the heart of Berlin. We welcome English-speaking candidates (German is a plus but not necessary⚘).
DOCUMENTATION: file_under: tm25
Those who missed the livestream this year can rest easy 🛏️ Each month, we’ll be releasing three video recordings from the Miriam Makeba Auditorium programme of transmediale 2025 with the label file_under: tm25.
Affective Proximities: A Genealogy of Queer Media Tactics
The conversation between Cait McKinney, David Isaac Hecht, and Alexandra Juhasz traces how tactics animated by early forms of digital technology such as home-video, email attachments, and MySQL database systems have become reanimated through today’s networked systems.
How to Make a Refugee
Taking Phil Collin’s short film how to make a refugee as a point of departure, Thomas Keenan’s talk explores the confusing relation between agency and representation that occurs when people find themselves needing to make claims for, and offer evidence of, their very humanity. He is later joined in conversation by Anna Engelhardt.
The Grid: A Lecture on Cybotron and Techno-Vernacular Expressionism
Employing his research of techno and the mass devaluing of the recording music industry from a Black theoretical perspective, DeForrest Brown, Jr. ‘reverse engineers’ analytic philosophy and its ideological relationship to digital-and-analogue user design experiences.
Culture Moves EuropeFor the first time transmediale has joined the Culture Moves Europe’s residency action, hosting artists and cultural professionals for 3 months in Berlin, where they can develop their practice and research. This year, Lithuanian writer and art critic Ieva Gražytė participates in this programme.
The residency programme Culture Moves Europe is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Goethe-Institut.
Residents from other programmes have already attended the festival this year and we look forward to welcoming them back in Berlin in June!About:
transmediale is funded as a cultural institution of excellence by the Kulturstiftung des Bundes (German Federal Cultural Foundation) since 2004.
Taged as/in; Alexandra Juhasz, Anna Engelhardt, berlin, Cait McKinney, David Isaac Hecht, DeForrest Brown, documentation, German Federal Cultural Foundation, internship, Kulturstiftung des Bundes, Media, Miriam Makeba, Thomas Keenan, Transmediale, video#writtenby
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The Art of Empathy: How Creativity Connects Human Experience
Empathy in the arts bridges divides, fosters understanding, and reflects our shared humanity. Now more than ever, we must embrace its social power.
Dear reader,
In a world often marked by division and uncertainty, the arts remain one of our most profound tools for fostering empathy. Whether on stage, on canvas, or in the written word, artistic expression transcends barriers, offering perspectives that may otherwise remain unseen.
The ability to step into another’s reality—be it through theater, literature, music, or visual art—is a critical force for social cohesion. At a time when polarization threatens collective well-being, we must recognize the role of the arts in shaping a more compassionate society.
The Stage as a Mirror to Society
From Shakespearean tragedies to contemporary political dramas, the theater has long reflected the struggles and triumphs of human nature. Watching a character endure hardship, joy, or transformation allows audiences to engage emotionally, often leading to greater social awareness.
Studies in neuroscience suggest that engaging with narratives through performance strengthens mirror neurons—the biological basis of empathy.1 When we witness the emotional journey of a protagonist, we subconsciously internalize their experiences, enhancing our own capacity for understanding others.
Visual Arts and the Power of Perspective
Visual arts have the unique ability to communicate without words, making them a universal language of emotion and history. Consider Picasso’s Guernica, a haunting portrayal of the horrors of war. The painting does more than depict suffering; it demands that the viewer feel the urgency of peace. Through art, we not only document history but also inspire activism.
Exhibitions featuring works by marginalized communities provide an essential platform for underrepresented voices, inviting society to confront its own biases and blind spots.2
Music as an Emotional Catalyst
Music has long served as a conduit for shared emotions, uniting people across cultures and generations. From protest songs to symphonies that evoke the depth of human emotion, sound transcends linguistic and cultural barriers. Neuroscientific research shows that music activates the same neural pathways associated with empathy and social bonding.3 Whether through gospel, folk, or hip-hop, music has the power to tell stories that ignite movements and humanize social struggles.
The Written Word and Storytelling as Empathy Machines
Literature, poetry, and journalism provide yet another vital pathway to empathy. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s concept of the “danger of a single story” reminds us that when people hear only one perspective, they risk misunderstanding entire cultures.4
Reading diverse narratives expands our worldview, offering intimate glimpses into lives different from our own. Fiction, in particular, is a powerful empathy tool, allowing readers to inhabit the thoughts and emotions of characters from vastly different backgrounds. We become able to realize and accept, our encounters feelings.
A Call to Action: Embracing the Arts for Social Good
As individuals and communities, we must advocate for arts education, cultural funding, and access to creative spaces. The arts should not be a privilege but a fundamental part of social development.
Supporting artistic initiatives that amplify diverse voices can help bridge societal divides, fostering dialogue where there is discord. Let us invest in the arts not as mere entertainment but as a crucial pillar of human connection and understanding.
Sincerely,
Alexander Renaldy
Editor in Chief
SOURCES & FOOTNOTES:
- Gallese, V., & Goldman, A. (1998). Mirror neurons and the simulation theory of mind-reading. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 2(12), 493-501. ↩︎
- Berger, J. (1972). Ways of Seeing. BBC/Penguin Books. ↩︎
- Koelsch, S. (2014). Brain and music. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Cognitive Science, 5(6), 589-605. ↩︎
- Adichie, C. N. (2009). The danger of a single story. TED Talk. Retrieved from www.ted.com ↩︎
Taged as/in; art, Artists, community, critique, culture, Diversity, empathy, Herstory, History, Music, queer, resilience, Society#writtenby
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V/A DJ Hell, Truncate, DJ T-1000, Mark Broom via Activity FM
Activity Vision launches Activity FM in 2025! The debut V/A EP features DJ Hell, Truncate, DJ T-1000 & Mark Broom, pushing techno & electro forward. 🔥🎶
Bogotá-Berlin based audio visual studio Activity Vision announce Activity FM, a new record label for 2025 with an upfront four track V/A EP featuring a global batch of techno and electro visionaries DJ Hell, Truncate, DJ T-1000 and Mark Broom.
The label’s mission is to focus on presenting new sounds from respected names alongside up and coming talent from their native South America and beyond. By marrying the visual dynamic of their work with their passion of electronic music culture, they’ve created a new dance experience.
Durchgedrehter Vogel Sorry durchgedrehtExpect a series of digital releases dropping regularly this year covering all sides of club music from the techno, electro, house and breakbeat continuums.
‘Scale’
This first V/A EP sets out the tone for AFM. It includes a set of four heavy-weight club tracks. DJ Gigolo founder DJ Hell is first up with heavy-set darkside thumper ‘Scale’.
‘Where Do We Go’
The lead single from the EP is Truncate’s ‘Where Do We Go.’ It comes next and is dominated by a juiced up acid line. This one is aptly timed to drop on international 303 day.
‘No Victims Only Volunteers’
Legendary producer and graphic artist DJ T-1000 (Alan Oldham) presents a new DJ T-1000 track ‘No Victims Only Volunteers’ next. Mixed into a masterclass in Detroit machine funk.
‘Nineties’
For the closing track on this V/A EP, UK techno don Mark Broom opened up his DAT archive. He exclusively released ‘Nineties’ for the first time. The track was originally produced between 1992-1993 in the golden era of UK warehouse techno.
Activity Vision
Originally hailing from Venezuela – Activity Vision creates high-quality audiovisual content for the electronic music industry and was established a decade ago by a team of 90’s and early 2000s rave scene pioneers. Founded by Elektor, Dagga, and Mickey, they are more than industry-leading content creators. They are a tight-knit network and community of music lovers, DJs, producers, and creatives. The crew also includes Manao, Confidential Recipe, DJ Melej, Club Soxial, DJ OddO, and Ara_u in their ranks.
In the last 10 years they have worked with over 400 artists and 40 labels, projects and communities including Get Physical, R&S, Rekids, International Chrome, Ovum and Richie Hawtin’s From Our Minds event series.
For Activity FM’s releases the collective will keep visual storytelling at the core of what they do taking inspiration from Detroit techno’s artwork traditions and the likes of Alan Oldham, Underground Resistance as well as Jack Kirby’s classic American comics. They set out to have a strong visual identity. It matches the vibrancy of their releases. Watch out as they plan to grow and build the label through digital and vinyl releases, events, and live-streams.
Tracklisting:
DJ Hell – Scale
Truncate – Where Do We Go
DJ T-1000 – No Victims Only Volunteers
Mark Broom – NinetiesTaged as/in; Acid house, Activity Vision, breakbeat, DJ Hell, DJ T-1000, Electro, House, Mark Broom, techno, Truncate#writtenby
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