Originally conceived in 2006, Dan Peterman’s sculpture and performance work “Love Podium” testifies to the myriad forms and circuits through which democracy takes shape. In a time when the struggle between right and leftist politics has returned to Europe with grave consequences, Peterman’s political playfulness can be understood as a welcoming antidote, to virulent political tribalism. The first iteration of “Love Podium” comprised two speech podiums, arranged in opposite directions on a platform, and constructed from planks of recycled plastic.

The inclusion of artists in “Love Podium” signals the renewed importance of revisiting – but not dictating – art’s relationship to the social field. Bolstering a wider conversation about where we find the boundaries of politics, these artists’ contributions range from the ambiguously to overtly political. Participants include Mareike Begner & Erik Winkler, Verena Buttmann, Kasia Fudakowski, Annika Kahrs, Wilhelm Klotzek, Steve Paul Steven Paul and Marco Schmitt & Oskar Korsar.
– Mitch Speed

The following poster editions accompanied the single performances.