Spaces can be interrupted, appropriated, and transformed through artistic and discursive practices, creating new configurations of power and knowledge. Kosmos², a series of talks, wants to transform concepts of knowledge by inviting artists, thinkers and activists, who found themselves forced to flee their homes, cross borders, and become refugees, and who come to occupy this space with their expertise, work and knowledge.
Artistic, cultural, and academic spaces have revealed a serious inadequacy to relate not only with the »post-colonial condition« but also with their subjects, discourses, perspectives, narratives, and knowledges. Once configurations of power are dismantled, consequently configurations of knowledge also need to be deconstructed: Kosmos² is to be seen as a performative space where discourse, arts, theory and politics merge on stage – what Grada Kilomba refers to as »Performing Knowledge«.
The title of this series Kosmos² recalls a historical reality: in the 19th century Alexander von Humboldt held his famous Kosmos lectures in the Berliner Singakademie – today’s Maxim Gorki Theater, after a series of expeditions to South America. His major project was to classify and categorize the world, contributing to the common colonial discourse. 200 years later, we want to transform this historically charged space into a space of emancipative knowledge production, where those who have been made objects become subjects, and where marginalized knowledges become central and accessible. In Kosmos², the author, theorist and interdisciplinary artist Grada Kilomba will be in conversation with several artists who provide an insight into their work.
In June, we will complete this series by exploring #8 Literature, where Grada Kilomba will be in conversation with the Syrian writer Rasha Abbas and the Ugandan author and LGTBIQ activist Bino Byansi Byakuleka. Translated texts read by the actors Martha Fessehatzion and Moses Leo.
Due to increased demands, the events will be live streamed. For more information visit gorki.de
Curated by Grada Kilomba in cooperation with Studio Я / Maxim Gorki Theatre. The series Kosmos² is produced in cooperation with Allianz Kulturstiftung.
