Informed Desire

Informed Desire

[2019]

HD Film, 1:46:55

Informed Desire

[2019]

HD Film, 1:46:55

On the Longing for Security and the Uncertainty of Knowledge

Jenny Brockmann in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Sylvia Speller (physics), Dr. Felix Ekardt (sociology, philosophy, law), Dr. Gert Hofmann (literature), Dr. Corinna Lüthje (media theory), Prof. Dr. Martina Kumlehm (theology), Prof. Dr. Ursula van Rienen (maths) and Prof. Dr. Karsten Wolf (information technology)

Informed Desire deals with the handling and effects of “uncertainty” within the process of knowledge production, transfer and interpretation and was especially developed for the group exhibition Experiment Zukunft at the Kunsthalle Rostock.
Whether it is the weather forecast, the prediction of a volcanic eruption, the probability of the next earthquake, the next stock market event or the result of an upcoming election,  forecasts for future events are subject to uncertainty.
Calculations and observations dictate predictions to maximize our safety, yet the information about these events is not based on certain facts.
In their work, scientists are confronted with uncertainty when planning research projects, setting up experiments or interfacing with the public. How do researchers at the University of Rostock deal with uncertainty, and what are the moments in which they are confronted with the knowledge about uncertainty in their own projects or produce it themselves?
The artist has invited seven scientists to reflect on these questions and discuss their experiences and perspectives on the performative, interactive experimental system Seat#12. Since the metal seating sculpture is mounted only on a central axis, the movements of the seated persons continuously change the position of the seat and thus of all seated persons. The conversation is filmed on K4 film material and includes recordings in which the artist maps the conversation on a three-and-a-half-meter-wide roll of black paper.

Concept: Jenny Brockmann
Director of photography: Niclas Redd Middleton
Editor: Niclas Reed Middleton
Sound design: Christian Meier