Michael Schindhelm will present his latest book Lavapolis (published as part of Sternberg Press’ Solution Series) and the media project surrounding it; he will be in conversation (remotely) with writer Ingo Niermann, who is the editor of the series.
Lavapolis deals less with the future, but rather it evokes, first and foremost, a parallel present: an alternative to the existing reality. The island of Lavapolis, which we have virtually located between Crete and Siciliy, acts as the starting point for our project. It is a heterotopia, an antipodal place, simultaneously mirroring and questioning the real world. The story of this island inspires a transmedial venture into a political reality, one that is allegedly different from the apodictic reality but not completely separated from it.
Friday in Venice is a transmedia derivate of Lavapolis which started in May at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, and consists of a book publication, a website (www.lavapolis.com), an installation and performances all dedicated to a collective reflection on the political and social status of Europe and Italy involving architects, designers, actors, writers, students and online and offline audiences from various countries. The 14th International Architecture Exhibition of la Biennale di Venezia became its major platform of exchange.
Michael Schindhelm lives in Ticino (Switzerland) and London. He is a writer, filmmaker, performing arts expert and cultural advisor for international organisations. He has worked as playwright (librettist), TV presenter (Der Salon, Swiss TV) and translator.