Feb. 4. Open Talk: The Spiral
Welcome to an evening were we focus on the spiral – as form, movement and as a model of thought. We have invited architect Tor Lindstrand, artists Lior Nønne Malue Hansen and Afrang Malekian and dancer/project manager Linda Adami to participate in an open conversation about this mythical and mystical form. In addition, dancer Åsa Lundvik Gustafson will help set the spiral in motion.
February 4 at 6pm–8pm
Free admission
Weld
Norrtullsgatan 7
Book: book.weld.se
The spiral can be found in the basic structures of nature and the universe, and it has had a long-standing presence in art, through different constellations and expressions. But how is the spiral with us today?
For this talk, we will take as our starting point Vladimir Tatlin’s spiral tower Monument to the Third International (1919-20), a utopian model conceived as an incubating symbol of modernity. The idea was that this spiral-shaped structure would be filled with different functions: on the bottom floor, lectures, conferences and legislative meetings would take place, on the next floor the country’s leadership would rule. Above this, there would be an information center and news agency, and at the top a hemisphere for radio equipment.
Today the world looks very different to how it did after the Russian Revolution of 1917. But how would our invited guests, through their own practices and their own mindset, fill this tower today? What would they want the spiral structures of the future to look like? Who would be allowed to take part, who would control it and what information could be shared?
Inherent in the spiral as a form is an element of dynamism; a movement towards something – upwards but also inwards and downwards – deeper and higher at the same time. This force is circular, a swirling vortex moving around an axis. We want to investigate this specific form and force as a model not only in art and movement, but also as a representation of the dynamics that unfold among different societal structures today. Forces that move in very different directions, but that still come together in our lived reality – generating an intense pull towards something. But towards what?
During this evening, we will explore the spiral as a symbol and metaphor for our contemporary thinking and actions, and take a closer look at our deep connection to this fundamental form. Can the spiral be used as a model of thought to reflect on the state of uncertainty and chaos we find ourselves in? The evening includes short presentations and artistic events. We will engage in exercises, thought experiments and visual manifestations to stimulate our collective ’spiral’ thinking.
This series of open talks at Weld aim to create space and opportunities for encounters and exchanges between artists and those interested in a public dialog on a specific topic.
Weld is supported by Stockholms stad, the Swedish Arts Council and Region Stockholm