The Otolith Group was founded by social anthropologist Anjalika Sagar (born in 1968) and theorist and author Kodwo Eshun (born in 1967) in London in 2002. Further to their production of essay-like films, the group's creative practice is predominantly informed by an interdisciplinary approach. This includes curating exhibitions, releasing publications, developing public programs and presenting workshops. The Otolith Group's objective is to use their artistic work to create a public platform for discussion on contemporary art and to generate a critical research area between theory, practice and exhibition. In 2010 The Otolith Group was nominated for the Turner Prize. The Dusseldorf program will focus on The Otolith Group's essay films, which will be showing daily from January 16 through 18 between 11am and 6pm at Venus & Apoll. The films look at failed social utopias, visions for the future as well as current socio-political topics. Their exploration of the boundaries between fiction and reality is just as profound as their reflection on the limitations and potential of the medium of 'film' itself. As part of the artists talk at Venus & Apoll on 16 January, 2013, at 8pm the group will present their latest video essay People to be Resembling (2012), a portrait of the Post-Free Jazz trio Codona.
Program From 15–18 January, 2013 The Otolith Group will be visiting the Julia Stoschek Collection and Venus & Apoll, presenting a series of films and an exhibition, and hosting a seminar for students and an artist talk. TUESDAY, 15 JANUARY 2013 10am Seminar for students with The Otolith Group members Anjalika Sagar and Kodwo Eshun, and the artist Diana McCarty. Venus & Apoll, Worringer Platz 8, 40210 Dusseldorf Apart from showing selected films, in the form of the seminar The Otolith Group provides a deep insight into the interdisciplinary approach of the London artist collective. Attendees should have a good knowledge of English. 8pm Film program Studio 54 Uski Roti selected by The Otolith Group India 1970, 110 mins. Director: Mani Kaul Cinema of the Julia Stoschek Collection, Schanzenstrasse 54, 40549 Dusseldorf The film screening will be followed by a conversation between The Otolith Group and curator Doreen Mende. The current collection presentation is also open from 6pm.
Wednesday, 16 January, 2013 11am – 6pm presentation of the essay films Otolith I-III (2003–2009) and Otolith Timeline (2006) by The Otolith Group. Venus & Apoll, Worringer Platz 8, 40210 Dusseldorf 8pm Artist talk with The Otolith Group Anjalika Sagar and Kodwo Eshun talk to the curator Anselm Franke. Presentation of the latest video essay People to be Resembling (2012). Venus & Apoll, Worringer Platz 8, 40210 Dusseldorf Thursday, 17 January, 2013 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. presentation of the essay films Otolith I-III (2003–2009) and Otolith Timeline (2006). Venus & Apoll, Worringer Platz 8, 40210 Dusseldorf 8 pm Film program Studio 54 Duvidha selected by The Otolith Group India 1973, 82 min., OwEs Director: Mani Kaul Cinema of the Julia Stoschek Collection, Schanzenstrasse 54, 40549 Dusseldorf The current collection presentation is also open from 6pm. FRIDAY, 18 JANUARY 2013 11am – 6pm presentation of the essay films Otolith I-III (2003–2009) and Otolith Timeline (2006) by The Otolith Group. Venus & Apoll, Worringer Platz 8, 40210 Dusseldorf