An economy without money? An Internet without hate? This year, Transmediale — the festival for art, culture and technology — is tackling the issues of our near future through the lens of the theme “face value”. Its methodology? An experimental survey of our current global realities and the possibilities for altering them. Mark your calendar for the opening ceremony at Haus der Kulturen der Welt on 31.1 for a taste of what’s on offer, from exhibitions and performances to workshops and lectures. Then prepare to immerse yourself in the surreal performance “Hostel Sequel #1: Please Be Careful Out There, Lisa Marie – Hybrid Version” (31.1, various times), deconstruct political meme culture at the Meme War Lab (1.2, 14-18h), and consider the instrumentalization of language at a panel discussion hosted by Nelly Yaa Pinkrah (3.2, 14.30-16h). Across the board, expect cryptoeconomics, AI and a reconsideration of the word “network” to be on everyone’s lips. The 31st iteration of Transmediale is all grown up, and serious in its subversion — yet, thanks to its tongue-in-cheek embrace of popular culture, suitably digestible. Peruse the programme here. (Text: Anna Dorothea Ker / Photos: Udo Siegfriedt / VG Bild-Kunst, Rosa Barba (Artwork by Rosa Barba))
HKW – Haus der Kulturen der Welt, John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10, 10557 Berlin-Tiergarten; map
Transmediale 2018 “Face Value”, 31.1-4.2.2018
Opening ceremony: 31.1.2018, 19h; program