Speaking of Video Art

This series of events offers an opportunity to discuss films or socio-political issues in art and to get to know various artists and authors. Together, we watch selected videos and read short excerpts on the spot from essays, theoretical texts, stories or poems in English or German that are linked to the works in terms of content or form. The discussion that follows allows us to explore both the discursive threads within the video works and the perspectives and questions raised by the group.

In September, participants will watch the first two parts of the trilogy ‘Particular Waters’ by the artist Su Yu Hsin. The films examine the resource consumption involved in the production of computer chips, data centres and artificial intelligence in Taiwan and the Arizona desert in the USA.

Alongside the videos, they will read extracts from the article ‘Why AI is currently doing more harm than good to our planet’ by the sociologist of technology Friederike Rhode, from ‘The Prehistory of the Cloud’ by the media scholar Tung-Hui Hu, and from the book ‘Before and After’ by Ines Weizman and Eyal Weizman.

In the context of the films, the texts raise the question of how landscapes are transformed by tech industries and how this process can be depicted in images. Why do people almost never appear in images of crisis-stricken landscapes?

Since 2011, the IBB Video Room has been showcasing artists who work with time-based media. The programme features works that engage with media-related, as well as political and social, issues. Particular emphasis is placed on giving space to marginalised perspectives and making the effects of power structures visible.

The series of events is moderated by Louisa Engel, research trainee in Education and Outreach. The sessions can be attended independently of one another. No prior preparation is required to take part. Whether you wish to participate actively in the discussion or simply listen at your leisure, both are equally welcome.

Language: The event will be held in German and English. To facilitate discussion amongst participants, all attendees should have at least a passive understanding of both languages.

• Participation is free of charge; register online