co-curated with Monika Beková
14. August – 14. September 2021
1. September, 6 p.m.: Artist Talk with Michal Mitro
10. September, 6 p.m.: Soundperformance by Eva Ursprung
Escape Dystopia. Reflections on the present age.
Escape Dystopia reflects current issues and reviews the atmosphere of an uncertain future in times of global crisis.
The world is facing various challenges at the moment that affect the way we behave in everyday life, how we work, and finally the way we function as a society. Examples include the exploitation of nature, which is leading to a global climate catastrophe, and is subsequently triggering refugee movements. Or right-wing populism, which is gaining strength in large parts of Europe and beyond, and is being consolidated, among other things, by marginalized sections of the population who no longer feel represented by neoliberal policies, to a crisis of democracy caused by its increasing entrepreneurial friendliness, and last but not least the pandemic that is sweeping the globe.
The Escape Dystopia exhibition neither promises a rosy view into a bright future, nor does it paint the devil on the wall. It tries to illustrate questions on current global problems, to make them visual and tangible. Only when we understand a problem, have examined its depth, its causes and effects, have looked deep into its eyes, can we find profound solutions. The exhibition offers a reflective moment, a pause, a reflection. A moment of calm, of evisceration, while the bomb continues to tick. The future begins tomorrow. But nobody knows what it will bring. We can only guess.
And what we see worries us. Climate change, right-wing populism and economic recession are shaping a dystopian future, but we still have to learn to deal with it. It is not too late for change, but current crises cannot be reserved, they will forever influence how we shape our future. Because, as you know, you learn from mistakes.
To do this, it is necessary to reflect on the current state, to take a step back and look at this very moment. And to not panic. We must approach problems, face them. We must not close our eyes, and at the same time we must not become hysterical. Well thought-out, rational solutions are required. Breathe. Concentrate. Remain calm.
Current global trouble spots: Where do they come from? What do they bring with them? There is no question that they influence all our lives. How can we approach them without being paralyzed by fear? Escape Dystopia shows an examination of current global issues by Austrian and Czech artists and combines works in the fields of video, installation and media art created for this group exhibition.
