What are you working on at the moment?
At the moment I am mainly working on ›Milky Way‹ by Esben Weile Kjær, which opens on 14 September as part of this year’s BAW Featured Programme of Berlin Art Week. It’s a super engaging and playful show, and I am very much looking forward to experiencing it soon. It’s quite interactive and definitely brings out a very pure and youthful excitement. We started working on the show almost a year ago, and it’s finally time to see it come to life. Besides that, the Trauma team is working on the programme for 2025. We’re at the planning stage, which is a really fun and dynamic part of the process.
Do you have a daily ritual?
Yes, I work very well with routines and begin each day with a lot of movement. It might be more of a routine than a ritual, but one could see it as such.
What do you listen to while working?
Listening to music while working definitely hinders my focus, so I avoid it. However, during the research phase of my work, I dive into a wide variety of music, from really cheesy tunes to very niche genres.
Which book do you like to gift?
Choosing just one book to gift is tricky because it really depends on the person I’m giving it to. So, I would go with a trio of books that have had a significant impact on me. First, ›The Utopia of Rules‹ by David Graeber. This book provided me with great moral support while navigating ›local challenges‹ and offers a fascinating critique of bureaucracy. Second, ›Politigram and the Post-left‹ by Joshua Citarella. It’s a thought-provoking read that delves into contemporary political movements and online communities. Lastly, ›Breath‹ by James Nestor. A good friend gifted this book to me, and I’ve passed it on a couple of times since. It explores how the simple act of breathing affects our overall well-being in profound ways. These three books, whether given together or individually, make for a meaningful gift.
Which art work would you like to have at home?
›St. Antonius‹ by Martin Schongauer 1470—75.
Your favourite exhibition venue in Berlin?
Neue Nationalgalerie.
What accessory or object could you not be without?
The one accessory I can’t be without is my phone. It’s become almost an extension of my body.
What keeps you going?
It’s curiosity. I am genuinely curious and excited about what the future holds in terms of arts and culture. This curiosity drives me to constantly research new and old music, art, and cultural trends. For me, it’s akin to the thrill of an archaeological dig—the excitement and anticipation of uncovering something new (or old) and significant. Each discovery, whether it’s a forgotten masterpiece, an emerging artist, or a fresh perspective on a cultural movement, fuels my passion. This perpetual journey of exploration and discovery is what keeps me inspired and motivated in my role as a curator.
Who would you like to meet?
If I could meet anyone, it would be Hildegard von Bingen. I think she must have been an amazing person to have a conversation with. Her work as a composer, writer, philosopher, and visionary during the Middle Ages is incredibly inspiring. I imagine talking with her would offer profound insights into her innovative thinking, creative processes, and the historical context she lived in. Her ability to excel in so many different fields makes her such a fascinating figure, and I’d love to explore her thoughts and experiences firsthand.
What do you look forward to after you’ve finished work?
Some more work *joke