Since the beginning of mankind exploring the world has been closely linked with the desire to understand the world and therefore oneself. No sea, no mountain, no sky was wide or high enough that was not meant to be sailed, climbed or cruised. To get a picture of the world was essential in order to orient oneself–not only geographically. ‘Who we are’ is inseparable linked with ‘where we are’. Infants show already uninhibited curiosity to explore their surrounding by themselves. However, the purpose of knowledge and awareness cannot end in itself, but can only serve higher aims.
‘Topos’ in Ancient Greek described the place, or the space. Point was another meaning of topos since it changes depending on the position and therefore changes the view point. ‘Topoi’ (plural) may be understood as motive, provenance, image, category or place of definition. ‘Topography’ and therefore ‘cartography’ were linked to travels. Knowing the way by means of cartographic maps means reaching one’s destination faster and safer. A precise map can be life-saving–if it’s a treasure map it can be worth a mint.
Scientific observation of natural phenomena and the measurement of the world helped mankind to gain a better understanding of the universe. No matter if their name is Herodotus, Columbus, Neil Armstrong, Crick&Watson or Einstein, they all left the old behind, in order to break fresh ground: through unknown countries, on and under the sea, skywards to space or inwards to micro, nano- and pico-spheres. The world can’t be big enough for discoverers.
While the geographical topos appears territorially limited, spiritual virtuosity seems to be boundless. Only by conquering borders in the head one can realize what is found on one’s journey. But, what are we searching for? Where are we going? The high travel activity in today’s society can provide explanations for many questions. Whether each of us returns more fullfilled or more enriched remains to be seen. A journey to anywhere cannot yield insights–can only be pastimes.
Sixteen national and international artist have been selected for ‘The World Is Not Enough’. The exhibition will be presented in the main building, in the park, in the hay barn and cow shed of the premises of widmertheodoridis.