The world is turned upside down, with empty streets for the past couple of months. Behind this seeming tranquility, there has been a storm raging through our values and structures. It gave us the space to think about a complete ‘reset’. How can we restructure existing dysfunctional systems? In this series, we will showcase the perspectives of a variety of thought leaders who will reflect on our present-day situation. Through the lens of their own area of expertise and with an emphasis on the power of design and imagination. The corona crisis is, without a doubt, a crisis that is leaving behind a trail of victims. But which transformations will we be left within the aftermath? During these times, it is the creatives, philosophers, scientists, makers, and designers who can visualise new scenarios, and through hypothesising can develop new insights into our future.
About Charlie Koolhaas
Charlie Koolhaas is a sociologist, artist, photographer, teacher, and writer. After growing up in London, she graduated with a BA in Sociology from New York University and started a career contributing to newspapers and magazines with writing and photography. In 2004 she received her MA in Interactive Media from Goldsmith University. Through her work, Charlie aims to shed new light on the processes of globalisation and multiculturalism. In February 2020, Charlie published her latest book CITY LUST, just before the current interlocking avalanche of crises’ – corona, economic warfare, police brutality – for all of which it provides a context. Oscillating between written story and photographic image, it is a record of the globalisation of our cultures and economies over the last two decades – as it impacts the daily lives of five linked global cities on different continents (London, Guangzhou, Lagos, Dubai, Houston). CITY LUST portrays a global landscape that contradicts the current pessimism – to reveal new creativities, unexpected possibilities, and intimate connections that emerge despite huge global and economic divides.
From now on… all predications are obsolete.
Every edition, we also invite a guest speaker to reflect on the story told and share their view as well. Charlie’s guestspeaker will be announced soon!
VPRO Mondo - Artist and photographer Charlie Koolhaas lived in China, Dubai and Nigeria and saw how the multicultural society there takes on a completely different interpretation than in Western cities. In her photobook CITY LUST she shows what diversity looks like in a rapidly globalising world. >>
De Volkskrant - In steden als Guangzhou en Dubai krijgt de multiculturele samenleving een heel andere invulling dan in het Westen, ontdekte kunstenaar en socioloog Charlie Koolhaas. In haar boek City Lust onderzoekt ze wat we daarvan kunnen leren. >>
