Kick-off event Rundgang of the Kunsthochschule Kassel 2025.
Paul-Philipp Hanske, Benedikt Sarreiter
On the dissolution of boundaries, subcultures and the consciousness industry
To this day, the Greek god Dionysus has to be invoked when talking about them: ecstasies are wild, they are imbued with an energy that can be felt by those who have just been enraptured, but which is all too difficult to put into words. Shamans move in ecstasy in invisible worlds, medieval mystics united with God in ecstasy, and intoxication was and is an integral part of every society. Because they are difficult to control, ecstasies are still frowned upon today - but they have never completely disappeared. Surprisingly, we encounter them today not only at raves or shamanistic rituals, but also in yoga classes, mindfulness seminars and workshops designed to improve performance at work. And last but not least, the new boom in ecstasy is reflected in crisis phenomena such as martial masculinity, mass movements such as the violent storming of the Capitol in Washington or the protests against the coronavirus measures. But where does this new desire for ecstasy come from? It is high time to trace this basic human need for self-transgression with historical depth, critical curiosity, an analytical view of the present and cultural respect in medical laboratories, witchcraft rituals, ayahuasca ceremonies and club culture - in order to find an ethic for the ecstasies of the present.
Public lecture in cooperation with Hofbuchhandlung Vietor, Kassel.
Date & place
Thursday, 15.05.25, 16:30-18:30
Exhibition hall, Kunsthochschule Kassel