"The Swan That Disappeared”Artist Talk and Community Gathering with Eric Dickson

"The Swan That Disappeared" was created by our current artist in residence, Eric Dickson, during his last four weeks working in Berlin. Beginning with a simple “Missing Swan” poster, Eric Dickson’s project explores the psychological appeal of conspiracy theories. Members of the public were invited to express interest in, or submit information about, a suspicious swan that had mysteriously disappeared.  Over several weeks, the swan’s story has grown and mutated through a growing proliferation of publicly posted materials, voicemail messages, audio installation elements, live performances, and bespoke interactions with individual members of the public who chose to get in touch. The project, which continues through August 11, extends over a stretch of the Landwehrkanal between Urbanhafen and Thielenbrücke.  

The evening at SomoS will include a presentation on the project, a discussion of conspiracy theory psychology, and reflections from members of the public who encountered the project “in the wild.”