‘Cacotopia’ is a term coined by the English philosopher Jeremy Bentham to designate a negative state of society, an anti-Utopia characterised by chaos, dissolution, and human suffering. Now, at the beginning of the 21st century, climate change has brought humanity to a state where a change in the conditions for life on our planet is emerging with increasing clarity. The exact consequences are uncertain and hotly debated, but there is much to suggest that they will be considerable. The scientific uncertainty regarding the potential catastrophes gives rise to a range of doomsday prophecies. Such prophecies were particularly prevalent within the religious concepts of previous centuries, but the advent of industrialisation brought a shift in focus in its wake. In our modern society, with its faith in progress, we have become accustomed to assuming that it will be potentially possible to find a technological solution to any problem, but we now find ourselves facing a new situation; one in which we are uncertain of whether the problems may not exceed our potential solutions.

RETHINK Kakotopia takes its point of departure in this chaotic field where faith in technological solutions grapples with scenarios of doom and gloom that draw on deeply rooted fantasies of disaster. Nikolaj, Copenhagen Contemporary Art center has invited a number of artists who articulate reflections on the new awareness that, over the course of the last decade, has questioned humankind’s ability to survive to a much greater extent than ever before. Is our psyche and our social system capable
of comprehending and responding to the challenge? The artists offer no solutions to the problems; rather, they contribute images that can serve as tools for reflection, discussion, awareness – and action.

Nikolaj, Copenhagen Contemporary Art Center, functions as the city's exhibition space for contemporary art. Situated in the heart of Copenhagen, the museum offers new, surprising and critical exhibitions, generating interesting experiences, food for thought and debate. 5-6 annual Danish and international exhibitions are presented, allowing the visitors to acquaint themselves with mainly experimental and innovative art.

Kunsthallen Nikolaj
Nikolaj Plads 10
1067 København K.

RETHINK Kakotopia
From October 31st to January 10th 2010
Tue-son: 12-17
Thu: 12-21
Admission: 20 kroner (More info)

Read more on www.kunsthallennikolaj.dk