This project explores infrastructures through theory (reading and writing) as well as design and art practice.  

The word infrastructure has been expanded to any form of digital/physical and visible/invisible systems these days.

By examining diverse understandings of this keyword—from the legacies of colonial and early capitalist systems of governance to contemporary processes of financialization within the cultural field, as well as the subversive potential of engaging with infrastructures as sites of affect and contradiction—infrastructure emerges as both an invisible and visible force constituting culture today.

In contrast to cultural techniques, infrastructures aim at stability, yet they remain inherently dynamic, as they become perceptible only through use. They can be understood as formations whose apparent solidity depends on continuous processes of stabilization. Consequently, researching infrastructures requires conceptualizing them as processes of historical layering, rather than as fixed or permanent entities.

In this project we are not aiming to give a crispy contour to this concept but have a closer look together on the critical, dynamic, morphy, blurry edges of infrastructures, to the subversive possibilities of thinking and working with infrastructures.

During this project with a entangled theory class + practice class, we will develop a process-oriented understanding of infrastructures, through reading, writing, discussing texts on infrastructure as matter, formats, data, care and caring, accompanied by local infrastructure tour(s), we will also investigate, imagine, or implement community and queerfeminist infrastructures.

At the same time, you will be supported in developing your own artistic project within this context. This process encourages independent exploration and critical reflection, potentially culminating in a public outcome such as an exhibition in the autumn and/or the production of a booklet.

This is a joint project by Jiawen Uffline, Prof Dr. Andrea Sick. and Prof. Dennis P Paul. It combines study modules DM.M-MD (Media Design / Special Topics in Digital Media) and DM.M-MT (Media Theory / Special Topics in Digital Media) into one project. Full participation is credited with 12CP in total. It is highly recommended to participate in both.

see blog for additional information.