We are all Mermaids

They inhabit the world’s oceans, watch over forest streams and springs, and lurk in the depths of rivers and lakes: mermaids have fuelled the imagination of mankind since ancient times. Whether as deities, mermaids, sirens, fish people or water spirits, these hybrid creatures and shapeshifters feature prominently in fairy tales and stories from all over the world. The mysterious water creatures are said to have magical abilities, power over the weather and the sea, and the ability to conjure up storms and trigger catastrophes. However, they are also said to be able to give life and keep watch protectively. People all over the world both revere and fear them.

The exhibition explores the millennia-old mermaid myth as a projection surface for fears, longings and worldviews. The show focuses on the contemporary relevance of these narratives, showcasing works of visual art alongside contributions from music, literature, and everyday culture. At the heart of the exhibition are fluid aesthetics that oscillate between fairy tales and digital visuality, challenging traditional notions of materiality and gender. The exhibition will trace these trends, building bridges to topics such as feminism, queerness and New materialism. Accompanying events will explore these themes from academic, poetic and playful perspectives, incorporating the maritime environment of Wilhelmshaven into the narrative.

With
AES+F | TM Davy | Liza Dieckwisch | Margret Eicher | Rainer Fetting | Tamara Goehringer | Heike Kabisch | Eva Koťátková | Georges Méliès | Negativland and Tim Maloney | Klara Paterok | raumarbeiterinnen | Wagehe Raufi |Simon Ringelhan | Iris Schomaker | Klara Virnich
Curated by Liza Dieckwisch | Petra Stegmann
Based on a concept by Michael Stockhausen