From a Different Perspective: Metaphysics and Despair

An educational programme that makes use of the Narrative 4 methodology, excerpts from the work of Daniil Charms, and visual materials from the exhibition Metaphysics and Despair.

Since the invention of writing, text and image have been among the most important means of conveying information and extending memory. Before the internet, the most common medium for this memory was the book. And the book is the perfect vehicle to convey stories – through text and images, one way or another, and also through the space it provides. But let’s turn the page.

Narrative, as used by the international project Narrative 4 and the educational programmes in DOX’s series Story Exchange, allows us to experience sharing stories with others in a way that seems simple at first glance – listen and retell. And there is power in simplicity. Colum McCann, world-renowned Irish writer and founder of N4, has dubbed this concept “radical empathy”, and it helps people find understanding wherever they experience life differently and see the world from a different perspective.

This experiential programme is based on the participants’ own authentic stories, and authenticity is essential. The personal story – a childhood experience – should be on the topic of “my important thing” and should be no more than five minutes long. And because it is meant to be shared, each individual can decide whether to choose a story that is sad, happy, serious, or light-hearted. Participants must prepare their stories in advance.

The opportunity to see things from a different perspective proves rewarding on all levels. That’s why in this programme we also relate to the world of contemporary art – using visual artworks from Viktor Pivovarov’s exhibition Metaphysics and Despair as well as excerpts from texts by Daniil Charms. Get to know others and yourself from a different perspective.