Geological and Human Histories – Is there a Planetary Paradigm in the Arts?
Please register at vera.schamal@zhdk.ch
In the workshop we will look at the theory of the habitability of the planet developed by Dipesh Chakrabarti from two points of view. To what extent are the various concepts of historicity that Chakrabarti uses also based on aesthetic considerations and can these help us when it comes to future concepts of the planetary? And secondly, what does it mean for the arts to operate with a planetary paradigm? How is it possible to create art that transcends the human perspective?
15:45 - 16:00 | Arrival and Coffee
Participants are invited to gather and enjoy refreshments before the start of the workshop.
16:00 - 16:15 | Welcome Address
Prof. Dr. Judith Siegmund (ZHdK)
Opening remarks and introduction to the workshop themes.
16:15 - 17:15 | Session I: The Concept of History and Its Link to Aesthetic Thinking
• Guido Staudacher (PhD Program “Epistemologies of esthetical practices”) will present and pose key questions based on Chapter 1 - Four Theses, pp. 23-48.
• Input by Dipesh Chakrabarty (10 minutes)
Discussion: A moderated discussion will follow, encouraging participants to engage with the presented ideas and the Reading excerpt sent to the participants in advance
17:15 - 17:45 | Break (Coffee)
A brief intermission with refreshments.
17:45 - 19:00 | Session II: Planetary Strategies in Contemporary Arts
• Text for Discussion: Chapter 7 - The Time of the Anthropocene, pp. 155-181.
• Screening: 10-minute excerpt from Under the Ice (CH 2024, R: David Oesch & Michel Kessler).
Introduction by Frederike Maas: Contextualizing the film within the themes of planetary strategies.
19:00 | Conclusion of the Workshop
Closing remarks and final reflections.
References
- Dipesh Chakrabarty: The Climate of Historiy in a Planetary Age, University of Chicago Press 2021.
- Judith Siegmund: «Dauer um jeden Preis? Kultur, die verschwindet im Lebendigen – Hannah Arendts Begriffe von Verdinglichung als Kunst, Dauer und Natur», in: Judith Siegmund/Marita Tatari/Anne Eusterschulte (Hg.): Hannah Arendt und die Weltlichkeit der Künste, Metzlerverlag Stuttgart 2025.