Jana Kerima Stolzer & Lex Rütten – We grow, grow and grow, we‘re gonna be alright and this is our show

11. March 2023 - 30. July 2023 Dortmunder U, Level 3
128 days left

This multimedia exhibition embodies a radical change of perspective, observing the world through the eyes of non-human organisms to which we usually attribute no consciousness. The artists give these beings a voice: They speak to us of the technosphere and the central role of symbiosis in evolution (Micro), of deep time, extractivism, coal mining and sorcery (Xtract), of pioneer plants, invasive species and neophytes (Pionea), of carbon dioxide, warm and cold periods, superplants and sedimentation (Azolla), of the dream of using geoengineering to save the world (Symbiotechnica), of the technically mediated revival of extinct species (Extinct), and of corals, immortality, budding, cloning and the dream of eternal life (Hydra).

The artists speculate on existing and future symbiotic relationships between microorganisms, plants, animals, bacteria, fungi and technical objects as they ponder innovative cycles and alliances in nature, all in the age of the Anthropocene.

With We grow, grow and grow, we're gonna be alright and this is our show HMKV presents the first institutional solo exhibition by artistic duo Jana Kerima Stolzer and Lex Rütten. Both live and work in Dortmund.

Curator: Inke Arns (HMKV)

 

Image: Keyvisual of the exhibition We grow, grow and grow, we're gonna be alright and this is our show with imagery from the work ”Micro, 2023 (Pattern) by Jana Kerima Stolzer & Lex Rütten. Design: eot Berlin.

 

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You will find press material on this program item in our press area.

Events

Artists

  • Jana Kerima Stolzer
  • Lex Rütten

Curator

Inke Arns

Booklet - Artwork Descriptions (PDF)

Press Reviews

“Tower is coloUrful -larger than life and colorfully bright plants take the stage as superheroes in the exhibition “We grow” at the U.” Stadtanzeiger Dortmund, Cover, 18.03.2023

“The exhibition is supposed to show us as well that life will go on after we are gone. [...] I meet this character in the exhibition, go out on the street, see an orchid in the window and remember the story that the character has just told me. So in this sense it is to focus the attention, not an accusation.” Jana Kerima Stolzer on Deutschlandfunk Corso, 13.03.2023

“Human beings have inscribed themselves into nature for many centuries and the stories we tell in our work talk about this without directly calling out humans. [...] These are so-called eternal burdens that are dominant here in the Ruhr area.” Lex Rütten on Deutschlandfunk Kompressor, 10.03.2023

“The installations combine fiction and science, problem awareness and narration-rich humour into a very special art form.” - TZ Hamm, 13.03.2023

“We grow is an exhibition about the wonders of nature. But it does not show the thousandth roaring lion, but revolves around current questions. If we don't find answers, we are heading for a world without us.” - Ruhrnachrichten, 10.03.2023

“Because the dialogues of the artist duo Jana Kerima Stolzer and Lex Rütten result in works that cause a sensation. [...] Under the title “We grow [...]”, visitors can expect multimedia installations that will be quite a sensational experience.” bodo-magazine, 01.03.2023

“However, the exhibition is not a science show. Rather, it is speculative narratives that we can listen to there.“ trailer-ruhr.de - Interview with curator Inke Arns, 28.02.2023

"It will be an extraordinary experience: to approach the world from the point of view of non-human organisms. That's what Jana Kerima Stolzer and Lex Rütten are planning for their multimedia show at the Hartware MedienKunstVerein in the Dortmunder U" - kultur.west Magazin, 24.02.2023

Photo Gallery – Opening

Photo Gallery – Exhibition