In German grammar, the article determines the gender, number, and case of a noun. The dictionary says “das Wissen” (knowledge) can only be used in the singular and with a neuter article, implying the idea of a neutral canon. A canon that differentiates between right and wrong. Something to be assimilated, memorized, and then reproduced when needed. People with multiple belongings, longings, and varied horizons of experience know more than that; they embody and live their knowledges (die Wissen) of different situations and environments. They inhabit multiple selves and can feel through them simultaneously as a result of having had to continuously learn how knowledge is bound to place, situation, and context. Their lived experience tells them that what is right and wrong cannot be answered in the same way everywhere, with every person, and in every moment. Knowledges manifest physically. They are inscr bed, sometimes reconciling and sometimes antagonistically, but always present.

The show die Wissen is the second part of the TAXISPALAIS trilogy on togetherness tackling the overarching question of how we can discuss and practice discourses of multiple belongings more adequately in Western Europe. The trilogie’s third part is on view at TAXISPALAIS under the title Ich bin anders, weil ich kann das. Stranger belongs to me through January 21, 2024.

With contributions by Nooshin Askari, Hiwa K, Michelle & Noel Keserwany, Elif Saydam, Vina Yun mit Moshtari Hilal. Curated by Setareh Shahbazi & Nina Tabassomi 

die Wissen is a takeover of the eponymous TAXISPALAIS exhibition. The project is a cooperation between TAXISPALAIS Kunsthalle Tirol and neue Gesellschaft für bildende Kunst.