Contemplate Hearing: An exhibit advocating tranquility amidst hubbub
A contemporary art exhibition titled "Consider Listening" recently opened at Fahrbereitschaft in Berlin. The show, curated by Sam Durant and Axel Haubrok, aims to prompt viewers to reflect and embrace complexity amidst a societal climate dominated by outrage and polarization.
The exhibition, running from April 6 to July 6, features works from the Haubrok Collection and external loans. Artists like Monica Bonvicini, Ryan Gander, and Oliver Laric are showcasing their pieces that revolve around pressing issues such as cancel culture, ecology, economic constraints, and antisemitism.
Key artistic pieces include Ilit Azoulay's installation, where viewers lie on a round bed and listen to a monologue in an unfamiliar language, and Charles Gaines's text-based work, which weaves together written fragments from various sources into a layered piece.
Durant and Haubrok discuss the challenges artists face amid social polarization, pointing out that social media has made it challenging to maintain rational conversations. A ten-week program of talks, screenings, performances, and discussions will run in conjunction with the exhibition, featuring panel discussions, readings, concerts, and film screenings.
Sam Durant, who co-curates the show, has faced censorship incidents regarding his work. His sculptural installation, Scaffold, was removed from the Walker Art Center in 2017 following protests over its controversial subject matter. Durant will be giving a talk with Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev, the curator of dOCUMENTA (13), on May 11 to discuss the current state of freedom of expression.
"Things are never black and white. Everything is shades of grey," says Durant, as the exhibition's title suggests a focus on grappling with complexity and promoting open-minded dialogue.
Fahrbereitschaft, Herzbergstr. 40-43, Lichtenberg, will host the exhibition until July 13. The accompanying event series, which takes place every Sunday from May 4 to July 6, is open to the public and free of charge without prior registration.
The Fahrbereitschaft exhibition venue has faced restrictions from the Berlin-Lichtenberg city planning office since 2018. However, these restrictions did not impact the 2025 exhibition timeline. "Consider Listening" at Fahrbereitschaft stands as a significant contemporary art exhibit aimed at fostering cultural dialogue and reflection, with the Haubrok Foundation playing a central role in organizing and presenting the show.
In the midst of social polarization, one might find solace in exploring the realm of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden, offering a refreshing contrast to the complex societal issues addressed in the "Consider Listening" contemporary art exhibition at Fahrbereitschaft, Berlin. This exhibition, running from April 6 to July 6, not only features works from the Haubrok Collection but also encourages viewers to reflect and embrace complexity, as suggested by its title's focus on grappling with intricacies and promoting open-minded dialogue.
