The Kunstverein is excited to present Manageable Matter by Emma Waltraud Howes. The Berlin based Canadian artist oscillates between movement and form, from time-based performance installations to soft sculptures and sound experiments. In her transdisciplinary practice, informed by dance, martial arts, performance theory and visual art, she focuses her attention on gestural observations and speculative scores. Her dance scripts – graphic systems for the performers of her pieces – are of an extraordinarily precise aesthetic. In this way, she creates space for complex reconfigurations of body and space, a kind of “serious play” that leads to “hyper-glitch” operas such as Cadavre Exquis, which celebrate failure and promote alternative perspectives. The exhibition Manageable Matter presents new glass sculptures and graphic scores that explore gravity and grace through variations of glass artichoke hearts. Evolving from medieval clubs to drumsticks and finally to elongated driftwood sticks, they symbolise an ‘Optimistic Incrementalism’ – a strategy of trying, failing and constantly improving, reflecting a close connection to the past.

On the occasion of the opening of Howes’ solo show the opera singer and performer Kinga Ötvös will perform in cooperation with the artist. The performance is part of itinerant interludes by Laurie Schwartz.

The exhibition is supported by the Embassy of Canada, Berlin.

The wall work Control Burn by Florian Raditsch opens at the same time.