a project by Filipa César und Diana McCarty, winner of the Art Award Europas Zukunft
in cooperation with Valentina Desideri, Denise Ferreira da Silva, Mark Waschke and students of the Merz Academy
October 21, 2022 until February 05, 2023
One of the consequences of our belief in the concept of unlimited growth is the continual depletion of our resources and those of the planet. By clinging on to this idea, we ignore the rights and needs of others and allow discrimination, exclusion and inequality to prevail. While we continue in our striving to produce and own more and more, we lose the ability to think about other forms of co-existence.
Using documentary and speculative means, the film There is Always Dance in Abundance develops an “ecology of the many”, based on the assumption that there are sufficient resources and living space for everyone, if we use them in a respectful way. The protagonists set off on a “journey through time”, exploring existing knowledge and experimenting with new forms of learning. Wearing vision devices and overalls equipped with leaves, feathers and respiratory tubes, they examine their environment, observe animals and plants, analyse the resilience of bodies and materials. They learn to sharpen their senses with the help of various exercises, testing their limits and vulnerability.
They hold discussions with theorists and trade unionists on the historic, current and future significance of work, investigate the emergence of ownership and the struggle for equality and common assets. Solidarity, community and sustainability play a central role in their filmic narrative.
There is Always Dance in Abundance is shown as part of an expansive installation featuring workshops, exchange platforms and discussions.