“Walking through urban spaces”

Tue, Nov. 29 2011, 6 p.m.

Participants:
Leonie Lehner (A), Romana Hagyo (A), Peter Michalik (SK), Matej Vakula (SK)
Moderator: Jürgen Rendl (A/SK)

Galéria Enter
Panská 13, Bratislava

“Walking through urban spaces” will deal with the question in which ways applied methods of walking can be used as research tools in urban studies and art. One of those methods may be the dérive, as introduced by the situationist international as ”… a mode of experimental behavior linked to the conditions of urban society: a technique of rapid passage through varied ambiances.” It can be performed more less as losely drifting, driven by sensual reactions on certain ambiences, or more structured, by incorporating certain patterns to walking (see http://www.bopsecrets.org/SI/2.derive.htm).

An integral part of walking is a reference to the body, which forms itself while sensing the surrounding – one could even argue, that space gets apprehended and appreciated only through physical movement. Understanding does not only work on a cognitive, linguistic layer, but also with sensual and aesthetic parameters. if walking is understood as an “instrument of insight”, it can be used as a method for research – to generate results, that are not detached from the physical experience.

– By what means can you apply walking as a working method and document/work out your results?
– What did you experience as limitations of walking as a method in urban research and artistic practice?
– In how far do you see cities’ diminshing importance as physical interfaces affecting your practice?
– How can you compare results from walking in different cities/cultures?

(Text: Jürgen Rendl)

See further information about the project