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The Theory of Pessimism

Principal researcher: Angélica Vedana

External principal researcher: Marlene Barreto (Mescla Associação)

Research group: Practices and Politics of Culture


Keywords

Gender | Democracy | Totalitarianism | Dystopia

Funding Institution

Direção-Geral das Artes ( Programa: Arte pela Democracia)

Partners

Mescla Associação (coord.), Cineteatro Louletano, Casa da cultura de Loulé, Biblioteca de Marvila, Coletivo Brecha, Espaço Cultural Valsa, Espaço Escada Colorida

State

Open

Start date

01-10-2023

End date

30-11-2024


Abstract

The Theory of Pessimism is a trilogy that explores the dangers to Democracy, centred on the concepts of Utopia and Dystopia. Started in 2020 with 'Aquarius', it addresses the imminence of the apocalypse by the eruption of the Yellow Stone supervolcano, using capitalism, natural disasters, power and oppression to explore the loss of humanity. It resulted in a laboratory and exhibition 'What would you do in your last minute?' 'Memo', the second work, will investigate gender oppression in a totalitarian regime, focusing on the cancellation of women's memory. The aim is to challenge concepts that threaten democracy, such as gender inequality, prejudice and patriarchal institutions, and to explore the links between climate change, capitalism and totalitarianism. We will encourage practical research through laboratories and reflections on gender inequality and climate change. We intend to broaden the discourse of resistance and contribute to a more egalitarian society by redefining the concept of Woman."

Team

André Mattosinho

Brume Dezembro

Catarina Côdea

Cirilla Busouet

Daniela Pinto

Fernando Ribeiro

Helena Baronet

Inês Dias

Joana Tordo

Julia Medina

Associated researchers

Luzia Oca

Madalena Palmeirim

Marine Sigaut

Stella Faustino