Currently seeking applications for the upcoming exhibition 'Pratfall' (part of FaB 2024) exploring the concept of schadenfreude.

Question

'Pratfall' will be an exhibition exploring the concept of schadenfreude - the joy derived from another's misfortune or affliction. Curated by artist Ellie Thompson, this exhibition will be on display from 24 May until 9 June 2024 as part of Fringe Arts Bath. Fringe Arts Bath (FaB) Festival provides a platform for early-career and emerging Curators & Artists to test ideas beyond the gallery-based arts scene. There are 17 other exhibition call-outs forming the FaB Festival programme, coming to Bath, UK, from 24th May to 9th June 2024.

The Call-out to Artists:

‘A man who rejoices in the misfortunes of others is not a good man’ - Wilko van Dijk and Jaap Ouwerkerk in Schadenfreude: Understanding Pleasure at the Misfortune of Others.

Schadenfreude describes the pleasure derived from another’s misfortune. For example, we can actively observe this emotion through slapstick and cartoons, or the mocking of politicians and public figures online, or online ‘fail’ videos. The humour of each example often hinges on affliction or humiliation.

What happens when we explore schadenfreude through art? What happens when we bring the humour of cartoons and slapstick into a gallery environment? An art space is perhaps the most suitable location to critically engage with the emotion as it is a space in which the experiential and the critical collide in a productive and exciting way.

Arguably, this emotion is largely misunderstood. It is interesting to consider why we may feel this emotion (especially when it feels more pressing to explore schadenfreude in contemporary society, as the internet seems to be a breeding ground for the emotion). Repressing it and pretending we do not engage does not deny its existence. The fact that we do not even have an English translation for ‘schadenfreude’ indicates a deliberate ignorance of its prevalence.

What does schadenfreude say about us? Is the emotion essential or repressible? Could it provide a vital means of self-reflection and self-correction, or a tool for bonding with our peers?

Submission deadline: Friday 12th April at 23h59 GMT

Media accepted: All media.

Free submission. All are welcome to apply, of any age, status, and from anywhere in the world.

If selected, we ask Artists for a £22 contribution (like crowdfunding) and/or to give some of their time, as we are all volunteers. Please read our FAQs here to find out more.

Fringe Arts Bath Festival will take place 24 May to 9 June 2024