Words on Water began as a one-day film screening at the debut event of Room For Doubt – Berlin, which brought together three artistic positions on the topic of water and its essential role in our lives. A role that today is shaped by political, ecological and economic interpretations. For Vienna, the original “Words on Water” project has developed into a rich and multi-layered tapestry of different media. This constellation draws from diverse geographical areas and worlds of thought and addresses concepts such as borders, politics of inclusion and exclusion, collective memory and actionable change.

As suggested in the title, the exhibition explores various artistic expressions related to water – an essential element of life. It is simultaneously a vital means of transport and a natural separation and evokes a variety of emotions and associations. It can serve as a synonym for poetry, spirituality and as a source of healing, but can also take on a deadly form when it comes to natural disasters or man-made destruction. At a time when global conflicts over energy resources are shifting to tensions on water, this exhibition seeks to illuminate the central role of water in our devastated environment.

Curated by Amirali Ghasemi, founder of the Berlin-based project Room For Doubt , the exhibition brings together a profound reflection on our connection to water, asking us to reflect on its importance and our collective responsibility in managing this invaluable resource by Redefining our relationship with water in an increasingly fragile world.