January 17 is approaching, and the three artists Max, Chris and Jo are faced with the challenge of finding a theme for Art´s Birthday. In a world characterized by climate-related crises, flaring wars and an overwhelming complexity that permeates society, finding a theme seems more difficult than ever. Inspired by Fluxus and influenced by artists such as Marcel Duchamp, John Cage, Joseph Beuys and Robert Filliou, the protagonists in this artistic and humanistic discussion deal with the reality and feasibility of their art in the context of global crises.

In a secluded studio, named LaLinea, surrounded by intricately carved wooden objects, Max, Chris and Jo gathered in a room full of creativity and possibility. The smell of paint and wood filled the air as the artists began to share their thoughts and ideas for the ‘birthday of art’. The walls were papered with abstract paintings by Chris, each a window into his own abstract world.

Max stared thoughtfully out of the window at the newspaper headlines reporting ecological disasters and global unrest. “What time are we living in?” he asked, his deep voice breaking through the silence. The world seemed to remain in a state of permanent crisis, and the artists sensed the challenges that came with reflecting on and creating art in the midst of chaos.

He picked up a book by Peter Weibel and began to speak passionately about the need for an interdisciplinary approach. “The combination of art and social philosophy can open up new perspectives and help us understand the complexity of our times,” he explained. Chris, who tried to capture the disorder of the world with his abstract paintings, expressed his concern about the impact of art in such times. “How can we convey a meaningful artistic message in a world of chaos and disillusionment?”

The discussion delved deeper into socio-philosophical reflections. Max spoke about the work of contemporary thinkers exploring the dynamics of community and identity. Chris emphasized the need for art to not only reflect, but also create a space for dialogue and change. Jo brought in futuristic ideas of what social structures might look like in a rapidly changing world, without neglecting Artificial Intelligence and the potential social consequences.

They realized that they could not only be observers of social structures, but also active creators. Jo suggested using art as a tool to process and reshape social realities. “Maybe through art we can create a bridge between the chaotic reality and a new, possible social order,” he suggested. Chris emphasized the need for art not only to reflect, but also to actively contribute to social change.

With a new understanding of their artistic mission, the artists planned Art´s Birthday. They decided to choose the theme “Rewiring the Possible”, which would unite their various media and forms of expression while focusing on pressing social challenges. Studio LaLinea, as the venue for the event, became a symbolic link between tradition and the utopian vision of a fairer society.

The planning of that happening developed into a creative process. Chris created sculptures that symbolized the dynamics of social interaction, with each piece acting as a puzzle piece of the community. Jo designed digital graphics that poetically depicted the utopia of a harmonious social order. Max worked on a text that explored the socio-philosophical aspects of connection, guiding visitors through a reflection on community and individuality.

With the event just a few weeks away, challenges arose. The artists had to ensure that their ideas were not only aesthetically pleasing, but also accessible and relevant to visitors. Jo and Chris experimented with synthesizers to create the soundscapes for the performance, while Max honed the narrative to create an emotional resonance with the audience. The challenges of feasibility emerged as a touchstone for their creative visions.

Art´s Birthday had arrived and the small studio was filled with curious visitors who wanted to immerse themselves in the world of art and social visions. The multimedia performance began and the artistic fusion of tradition and socio-philosophical utopia came to life. The soundscapes of Jo captivated the audience, the sculptures of Chris seemed to pulsate with the ideas of social utopia, and the digital world of Jo opened up a vision of a harmonious society.

After the performance, the artists sat together, exhausted but fulfilled. The challenges they had overcome became an integral part of their creative process. In reflection, they realized that art should not only be a mirror of the times or social structures, but can also be a tool for social transformation. The connection between people and social philosophy was not just a theme, but a bridge to a new era of art that actively intervenes in social discussions and visions.