»Dissect«: a performative conversation at the Tieranatomisches Theater

02.11.2022 - The two »Dissect« events held as part of Berlin Science Week were a great success and unique experience. In the sold-out Tieranatomisches Theater (TA T) at Humboldt-Universität Berlin, researchers from different disciplines discussed contemporary artworks in a fascinating way, on the first evening about Marco Donnarumma's »Amygdala«, on the second evening about Tomas Saraceno's Spiders. Those who were unfortunately unable to attend can look at the video documentations, which will be published soon.

Critically referencing classic anatomy lessons—like that of Doctor Tulp, portrayed by Rembrandt in 1632 — »Dissect« is an updated theatre for the analysis and discussion of contemporary works of art and design in the presence of the works. We ought to not be talking about things, but rather with them, combining words, gestures, and objects in a public dispositif specifically designed for such an interactive process. Created by Samuel Bianchini and Emanuele Quinz at the École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (EnsAD), »Dissect« aims to restore more lively forms of exchange than the so-called »roundtable«, to spark radically multidisciplinary debates, and to grapple with the very objects of the discussion.

Text by Patricia Ribault & MoA PR.