Symbiosis – 1.5 Tons of Global Entanglement (Opening)

The art project »Symbiosis. 1.5 Tons of Global Entanglement« (Nov 5, 2011 – March 11, 2012) at the ZKM_Museum Balcony deals with the worldwide problem of small arms. 'Small Arms' are defined differently – either repressed or fetishized – by individual groups in civil society, but seldom is the problem ultimately analyzed in detail and resolved. The Symbiosis project builds on this idea and aspires to encourage discourse in the private and public sectors in the context of the problem of small arms. The objects are revealed as disabled small arms from the Burundi civil war, which have been repurposed as exhibits.

At the close of the exhibition series, the exhibition objects can be purchased for a minimum of 2,500 euros. The revenue from the sales will be donated directly to Caritas projects in Burundi involving care for victims of, and those affected by, the civil war.
The artists and initiators Peter Ziska and Matthias Rettner will be present at the opening as well as Peter Neher, president of the German Caritas-Verband. The opening is accompanied by a performance of cellist Frank Wolff and actor Christoph Kopp. Frank Wolff studied under Theodor W. Adorno and receives great reviews for his "Neue Frankfurter Schulorchester". Christoph Kopp is part of the theater company at "PAN.OPTIKUM". He will be reciting poetry by Hans Magnus Enzensberger, Robert Gernhardt and Heiner Müller.