Volcano Manifesto

Starting 15 January, the Kestner Gesellschaft invites you to a reading group every Thursday from 5 to 6 pm in Cauleen Smith’s Reading and Listening Room.

In the first session, we will read together the Volcano Manifesto, a collection of quotes, text fragments, reflections, and poems compiled by the artist based on her own research. The volume was published in 2022 by F Magazine and forms the conceptual starting point for the film trilogy of the same name at the center of the exhibition:

Cauleen Smith’s brilliant and psychedelic Volcano Manifesto is equal parts rigorous study and heart-wrenched plea. The Manifesto personifies the Volcano as the Mother, who creates new land unburdened by human history. Smith’s text employs genealogy as a metaphor and tool for the dismantling of capitalism, challenging the anti-Black position that Man holds ownership over Earth. Additionally, the Manifesto is a gathering of voices, as Smith’s text cycles through numerous historical quotations from Trinh T. Minh- ha, W.E.B. Du Bois, Fred Moten, Sylvia Wynter, Sitting Bull, and others.
– Publisher

In the following sessions, we will read together further selected texts by authors cited in the Volcano Manifesto, as well as other contributions that were important to the creation of the works presented in the exhibition. These readings serve as a starting point for discussions in which we explore the artistic approaches and social questions raised by the exhibition. No prior knowledge is required. The texts will be provided in English and in German translation, read together, and then discussed in an open conversation.

Admission: exhibition admission
Registration: required at kestner-studio5@kestnergesellschaft.de (by 15 January, 12 pm)