Hito Steyerl, Nausikaä El-Mecky and Maria Alekhina

The philosopher and video-essayist Hito Steyerl, a renowned authority on the effects of the new forms of communication and creation in the field of art, has frequently pointed out how they are transformed into commodities. The art historian, Nausikaä El-Mecky has specialised in detailed studies on contemporary forms of censorship and attacks on art, as well as the political persecution to which many artists are presently subjected. This is the case for the activist and cofounder of Pussy Riot Maria Alekhina, who suffered persecution and censorship herself. In this conversation Steyerl, El-Mecky and Alekhina explore the different mechanisms that restrict artistic freedom today and reflect on the possibilities of thinking about art as a space of counterpower. Moderated by Ignasi Gozalo Salellas. 

After the discussion, the Azerbaijani artist Pari Banu will offer a performance of Mourning for Narcissus, an interactive installation that is an invitation to spy on the gaze of the other while also celebrating the body as a space of freedom.

This session is to be held under the auspices of Artists at Risk Artistic Residencies, thanks to the collaboration between the CCCB and Artists at Risk, which is cofunded by the European Union Creative Europe programme.

On Friday, June 21, will also take place an international seminar.