Mikrohaus, or the black atlantic? (2006–2008; 31:07 min) is a video by the American artist Tony Cokes. The work gives an entrance into the politics of appropriation and sampling as phenomena — in this case through the history of house music. While house grew out of Chicago in the early 80s, synth-based electronic music evolved in Europe. During the next decades hybrids and sub-genres developed — detached from the social and cultural origins specific for the genre, most importantly Afro-American traditions. Simultaneously this way of adopting (some may say ‘stealing’) back-and-forth has gathered people across ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and social background. Herein lies an essential question: When displaced from its context and deployed somewhere else, what exactly lies within this exchange?
Mikrohaus, or the black atlantic? and Tony Cokes’ installation at ZK/U, Berlin was one of the most noted works at the Berlin Biennale the summer of 2018. We are proud to host Tony Cokes’ very first visit to Norway, and this screening and talk will also be a preview of Tony Cokes’ solo exhibition curated by Karmaklubb* in collaboration with Kunstnernes Hus, Oslo opening 1 March 2019.

Screening starts at at 19:00 followed by Tony Cokes in conversation with Karmaklubb* organiser Tine Semb. Followed by afterparty, see Karmaklubb* 9.

Wergelandsveien 17, Oslo. ID: No, except in the bar. Ticket talk and screening: NOK 100.

‘Talks & screenings (on various forms of queerness)’ is a series of discursive events organized by Karmaklubb* in collaboration with Kunstnernes Hus and Lofthus Samvirkelag throughout 2019. Realized with the appreciated support from The Freedom of Expression Foundation (Stiftelsen Fritt Ord) and Agency for Cultural Affairs, the City of Oslo (Kulturetaten, Oslo kommune).