The exhibition Poetics of Power highlights the complicated and ambiguous nature of power, which is omnipresent and constantly reproducible in the shaping of interpersonal, cultural, national and economic dynamics. It aims to reveal manifestations of power that are hidden in symbols, gestures and often unquestioned in existing relationships or systems. At the same time, it also explores their poetic nature by recognising their omnipresent influence and ambivalence.

Poetics of Power focuses on several thematic areas that cannot be clearly separated from one another. The exhibited works encompass various media, including photography, video, sculpture and installation. Works that speak of debilitation and colonial exploitation simultaneously postulate resistance and hope. Against the backdrop of numerous wars and conflicts, the exhibition also includes works that deal with feelings of helplessness or even resignation. But it is also about courage and solidarity as well as the need for responsibility. Even if most of the works relate to specific social situations or conflicts, the exhibition is primarily concerned with reminding us and reminding us that no power relationship, no asymmetry of power, is final or should be accepted as such. Poetics of Power is thus a call to engage with the decoding and unveiling of hidden or seemingly unquestionable socio-political contexts through the artistic positions on display.

Artists: Yael Bartana . Vajiko Chachkhiani . Jošt Franko . Gabriela Golder . Cristian Inostroza . Grada Kilomba . Daria Koltsova . Goshka Macuga . Daniela Ortiz . Ahmet Öğüt . Erkan Özgen . Hannes Priesch . Monira al Qadiri . Zanny Begg und Oliver Ressler . Anna Zvyagintseva . Lukas Marxt . Ala Savashevich