What does it mean to exist as a woman in our society? C/O Berlin is seeking the answers in two of their exhibitions. The main exhibition pays tribute to a pioneer of feminist art. Since the 1960s, Austrian artist VALIE EXPORT has challenged traditional gender roles and analyzed human behavior through performance art, film and photography. Her early performances, in particular, caused a sensation that has remained throughout the decades. Particularly “Tapp- und Tastkino” and “Aktionshose: Genitalpanik”, which criticized the “male gaze” in pornography. Export’s work criticizes misogyny in a visually powerful and humorous way. Her strength lies in her skillful exposure of social contradictions. Meanwhile, Catalan artist Laia Abril’s work addresses sexualized and systemic violence against women. At C/O, she presents a comprehensive research project on the power dynamics that enable rape. For her project “On Rape — And Institutional Failure”, she doesn’t directly reproduce stories of survivors but approaches them emphatically via archive material, legal texts and myths. From these fragments, she creates a haunting examination that has a lasting impact. Artist Aladin Borioli has also made a name for himself with a long-term project. This year, the young Swiss artist received the C/O Berlin Talent Award for “Bannkörbe”. He depicts how humans and bees co-exist through text, images and objects. For his extensive field research, he worked with bee researchers, scientists and beekeepers. In all three shows, the curators provoke political discussion, which there can never be enough of in Berlin.
Text: Laura Storfner / Credits: Military Rape, 2019, Laia Abril, Courtesy Les filles du calvaire Paris; Aktionshose-Genitalpanik, 1969, Valie Export, Photo: Peter Hassmann; Exhibition view, Photo: David von Becker
C/O Berlin, Hardenbergstr.22–24, 10623 Berlin-Charlottenburg; map
Valie Export. Retrospektive, until 21.05.2024
Laia Abril. On Rape – And Institutional Failure, until 21.05.2024
Aladin Borioli. Bannkörbe. C/O Berlin Talent Award 2023, until 21.05.2024
@coberlin
Making summer plans already? How about a creative retreat in the countryside? Well, we happen to have just the place for you. Nestled in the outskirts of the quaint village of Böckenberg in the Uckermark lies a hidden gem called Libken. Housed in a four-story residential building, once home to agricultural workers, Libken now serves as a haven for artists, thinkers, and activists with residencies of up to three months. Last summer, the Cee Cee team embarked on a two-day excursion to experience a “mini-residency” at Libken, delving into creative workshops in the garden. The experience left us yearning for longer stays in this inspiring environment. While Libken’s exterior may retain the simplicity of its prefabricated origins, inside, it boasts a tastefully modern design. The building features eleven studio apartments, some dedicated to painting and drawing. In addition to the kitchens in the individual apartments, a spacious kitchen on the first floor serves as a communal cooking space; we delighted in preparing homemade pasta with wild herbs sourced from the surrounding area. Additionally, two multifunctional rooms are available for movement workshops, yoga, dance, exhibitions, and more. However, it was the expansive garden that truly captivated us. Here, one can wander among fruit trees, gather around the fire, or engage in lively discussions around the table. Libken provides everything that is needed for a rejuvenating retreat: spaces for solitude and focus, opportunities for the exchange of ideas, and room for creative expression and experimentation. Whether seeking a solitary escape or planning a group retreat, Libken caters to all needs. The breathtaking views from the garden windows serve as a constant reminder of the tranquility found in nature. If you’re tempted to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind this spring or summer and embrace new perspectives, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Libken team via email.
Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Alexander Gehring & Stephan Bögel
Libken, Ort Böckenberg 17, 17268 Gerswalde; map
@libken_
“Um, my vagina doesn’t look like this. One vulva lip is longer than the other.” This blunt observation comes from 17-year-old Aimee Gibbs in the Netflix series “Sex Education” as she holds a teaching model of a vulva in her hands. And this is exactly what Amorelie wants to shed light on with the exhibition Vulva – Diversity through art. Together with sexological bodyworker Iva Samina and curator Julia Meyer-Brehm, it provokes an important discussion because, with four billion women worldwide, diverse representation of vulvas is long overdue. The exhibition is a joint project by Amorelie and Iva Samina. The exhibition is three days long and includes photographs by four artists Jennifer Adler, Ute Klein, Lorelai Wimmer and Jaqueline Louan, which were taken during Iva’s “Vulva Watching” workshops. But it’s not only photographs that await you. There are also vulva sculptures by Vulvarium on display. The exhibition is both artistically inspiring and educational! Amorelie and Iva have also come up with something for your ears. At an audio station, you can be a fly on the wall at one of Iva’s past workshops and listen in, immersing yourself in the atmosphere. In addition, various vulva-related workshops will take place at three other locations. These have been organized by Iva, together with the coaches, and offer you the opportunity to brush up on your anatomical know-how, for example, what the term “body sex” means. There will also be plenty of sensual workshops on offer, including the “Yoni, Cacao and Clay Workshop”. So, if you’re curious, drop by the exhibition and embark on an enlightening journey that delves beyond the surface (of our clothes)!
Text: Alison Musch / Photos: Jennifer Adler, Robyn Steffen
Amorelie, Torstr.66, 10119 Berlin–Mitte; map
Vulva – Diversity through art, 08.–10.03.2024 Fri 12–20h, Sat & Sun 12–18h
@amorelie
@ivasamina
@meyerwiedaslexikon
When I finished my Bachelor’s degree, I found myself in a bit of a rut. I didn’t feel ready for the world. I wanted to learn more but I was bored with my average German university. I yearned to pursue a Master’s degree but I wasn’t sure which field of study to pursue. The only thing I knew for sure was I wanted to study somewhere else — to meet new people, discover new interests, and overcome new challenges. In the end, I decided on business in Berlin. The city was new, the people were different, and the coursework was engaging. I came to appreciate and love it all. However, there were times when I wished I had aimed even higher, ventured further, and expanded my horizons and professional development. For those who have not yet pursued their Master’s degree (or are contemplating another), an informational event is scheduled for 12.03.2024. Attending this event will provide the extra ounce of courage needed to travel to destinations like the USA, France, Berkeley, INSEAD, and NUS. QS, the publisher of international university rankings, cordially invites you to the QS Master’s Fair at the Titanic am Gendarmenmarkt, where 25 top international universities will showcase themselves. Admission is free, and the event includes lectures on financing, feasibility, and, best of all, exclusive scholarships for attendees. What better motivation for shaping your dream future?
Text: Rosa Zwitscher / Photos: Cottonbro, Pixabay, Yan Krukau
QS Master-Messe, Titanic Gendarmenmarkt, Französische Str.30, 10117 Berlin–Mitte; map
12.03.2024 16h30–20h. You can register here for free.