Playing with identity: Reflection and discussion round on ​“The Unfamiliar”

It is said that we live in the mirror of the other. Strangers often seem threatening to us. How can we manage to open up to other world views without giving away our own identity? The exclusion of the other – or simply of other people – can still be traced back to gender difference, sexual identity or the external characteristics of people of different descent. Cultural constructs that fix these ​“others” in rigid role models often have a lasting effect. The exhibition presents works from the photo collection of the Museums of the City of Linz: from early expeditions to distant countries to MAGNUM photo reportages of the 1950s to contemporary explorations of the concepts of ​“homeland” and ​“migration” as well as the construction of identity and gender.

In the discussion round, we will devote ourselves to the exhibition terms ​“stranger”, ​“identity” and ​“culture”. The programme includes joint text reading, art viewing and creative-critical inputs from invited guests. At the end we will produce ​“thought messages” for other visitors. At the last event: lecture performance by students of the University of Art, BA Cultural Studies and MA Media & Art Theories.

Museum admission only. The dates can be attended individually or as a series. To reserve a place, use the contact form here.