Contributing Artists: Max Baumann, Frank Berger, Felix Bielmeier, Pierre Bismuth, Anetta Mona Chişa & Lucia Tkáčová, Anna Haifisch & Anja Koch, Jochen Lempert, Arne Schmitt, Wenke Seemann, Maria Sewcz, Andrzej Steinbach, Maria Sturm, Young-Hae Chang Heavy Industries, the Heidi Specker Collection, with guest contributions by Annett Gröschner and Franz Jyrch.

“The animal scrutinizes him across a narrow abyss of non-comprehension. The man becomes aware of himself returning the look.” – John Berger

What can we learn about ourselves and our relationship with the world around us when we reflect on our relationship with pigs? Sixteen artists were invited to explore this question, with many of the works presented created specifically for this project. Their contributions encourage us to ponder contemporary issues: How do our everyday actions affect the lives of others? What are the consequences for us? Who profits? Who decides?

The exhibition is a collaboration with the SPRENGEL MUSEUM HANNOVER.
More info: schweinebewusstsein.de

Exhibition Dates at Neues Kunsthaus Ahrenshoop: June 9 – September 2, 2024, Wednesday–Monday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Accompanying Program

July 18, 3:00 PM
Guided Tour of “Pig Consciousness”
With Olivia Franke, Artistic Director of Neues Kunsthaus Ahrenshoop.
Admission with tour: €5 / reduced €3

July 27, 11:00 AM
Wenke Seemann: On the Testimony of Materials
The Rostock-born artist (b. 1978) discusses her work “Große Wende / Frohe Zukunft” (Archival Dialogues #3 – Promises of Prosperity). How is the industrialization of agriculture connected to rubber twist games and moon rockets? Was Captain Brass a revolutionary? And what ties the slatted floors used in pig farming to current property prices on the Darß peninsula?
Admission and discussion: €5 / reduced €3

August 11, 4:00 PM
On the Human-Animal Relationship
A conversation between Olivia Franke, Artistic Director of Neues Kunsthaus Ahrenshoop, and Alexander Müller (Philosophy Seminar, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg):
“The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.” – George Orwell, Animal Farm
Admission and discussion: €5 / reduced €3

August 30, 2:30–5:00 PM
“Lucky Pig!” – A Holiday Workshop on Happiness
What is luck? Winning the lottery? Traveling? Or something else entirely? Explore symbols of luck from around the world and design your own personal good-luck charm.
All ages and families welcome. Participation fee (materials included): €5

August 31, 10:00 AM
Guided Tour of the Exhibition
With Olivia Franke, Artistic Director of Neues Kunsthaus Ahrenshoop.
Admission and tour: €5 / reduced €3

August 31, 11:00 AM
“The Baltic Sea at Risk” – Panel Discussion
Exploring the link between intensive livestock farming and the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea. With limited water exchange, the “enclosed sea” receives vast amounts of slurry from industrial agriculture. This fosters algae growth, depletes oxygen levels, and results in fish die-offs, while producing toxins harmful to humans.
Panelists: Dr. Susanna Knotz (Marine Biologist), Wolf Wichmann (Underwater Photographer, Friends of the Earth Germany), Inka Schube (Exhibition Curator)
Admission and discussion: €5 / reduced €3

August 31, 7:00 PM
Book Presentation and Discussion with Cultural Scholar Thomas Macho
Thomas Macho discusses his works “Pigs” (Matthes & Seitz Berlin, 2015) and “Why We Eat Animals” (Molden Verlag, 2022), delving into the contradictions and complexities of our relationship with pigs. Moderated by philosopher Asmus Trautsch, the event invites audience participation.
Admission and discussion: €5 / reduced €3

September 1, 4:00 PM
Franz Jyrch: “Rosa” – Lecture Performance
Dedicated to the color pink, exploring its history, symbolism, and shifting perceptions. Join Franz Jyrch for a playful and thought-provoking journey through the world of rosa.
Admission and performance: €5 / reduced €3

September 1, 7:00 PM
Pigs (and Other Livestock) with Complex Inner Lives
Prof. Birger Puppe, Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, presents the latest research on the emotional and cognitive capabilities of pigs and other livestock.
Admission and discussion: €5 / reduced €3

The exhibition and accompanying program are supported by: Norddeutsche Stiftung für Umwelt und Entwicklung (NUE), Ministry of Science, Culture, Federal and European Affairs of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Landkreis Vorpommern-Rügen, Stiftung der Sparkasse Vorpommern, Ostseebad Ahrenshoop, Sparkasse Vorpommern, NEUE KUNST HAT FREUNDE

Alle Informationen zum Besuch finden Sie hier.