Although access to water is recognized as a human right, around two billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water, and approximately 3.5 billion have to live without basic sanitation. Overexploitation of water resources as well as the drying up and pollution of rivers, lakes, and groundwater reserves exacerbate this crisis.
 
WATER PRESSURE presents scenarios that look into the future, raising awareness about the vital resource of water and aiming to improve water justice. Artistic positions offer a poetic exploration of the cultural significance of water, highlighting our multifaceted relationship with this vital resource.

Across five chapters, WATER PRESSURE presents scenarios that look into the future, raising awareness about the vital resource of water and aiming to improve water justice: “Water Stories” explores the cultural significance of water in a diverse collage of ideas and examples from different eras and cultures and looks at strategies for coping with extreme environmental changes. “Bodily Waters” explores the water molecule and its close connection to the inner and outer worlds of human and non-human bodies while addressing psychological aspects and global inequalities in access to clean water. “Thirsty Cities” shows innovative solutions for the water crisis in international metropolises such as Chennai, London, Mexico City, Copenhagen, and Lagos–from wastewater treatment with the help of plants to swimming architecture. “Invisible Water” highlights the water footprint of agriculture and industry, outlining new ways to reduce water consumption. The chapter “Ecosystems” presents alternative scenarios for restoring the balance between humans and nature, emphasizing the role of rivers and oceans in preserving biodiversity. Here, local and indigenous knowledge is activated for the vision of a creative and more resilient water culture.

The diverse supporting programme invites you to a pool party without a pool, a hydrofeminist choreographic walk along the Wien River, interdisciplinary talks, inspiring discussion games, a curator guided tour with Jane Withers (21 May, 4.30 pm), and much more.

On the exhibition
Lilli Hollein, General Director, MAK
Tulga Beyerle, Director, MK&G Hamburg
Jane Withers, Curator Touring Exhibition, Jane Withers Studio
Marlies Wirth, Curator, Digital Culture and MAK Design Collection

An exhibition by the MAK in cooperation with the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg (MK&G) and Jane Withers Studio, London

PARTNER


MEDIA PARTNER