Christoph Schlingensief: A Radical Artist's Enduring Relevance

Christoph Schlingensief, a German artist known for blurring boundaries between film, theater, performance, and visual art, is the subject of a new episode of the Monopol podcast "Kunst und Leben." The episode features Monopol editor-in-chief Elke Buhr and Schlingensief's widow Aino Laberenz, discussing his provocative and politically charged work. Buhr recalls his intense presence at the Berlin Volksbühne, describing him as fully immersed in his art. Laberenz, who manages his estate and leads the Operndorf Afrika, characterizes Schlingensief as an artist in constant motion who absorbed everything like a sponge, challenging audiences to think and participate rather than providing answers. The podcast coincides with current exhibitions at the MAK Vienna and the Berlin Gropius Bau, highlighting that Schlingensief's work remains urgent 16 years after his death. The episode is hosted by Sara-Marie Plekat and produced in cooperation with Detektor.FM, airing bi-monthly.