Focus Weekend 3: The Ant Colony—Myths, Narratives, and Interpretations
Angelika Wischermann
The Ant Colony—Myths, Narratives, and Interpretations
Angelika Wischermann
Learn about ants and our ideas of community during a walk together.
As part of an artistic project, I explored the infrastructure of forest ants. During my research, I repeatedly came across narratives and ideas about their communal life. It became clear that these are not merely biological descriptions, but are also linked to human judgments and supposed ideals of community—and that they change over time.
This observation serves as the starting point for our shared explorations. On a walk through the woods among anthills, accompanied by scientific texts and stories about ants, we’ll explore questions of communal living: How do notions of community arise? How do communities organize themselves? How is information exchanged and how are decisions made? What role do differences, individual needs, and seemingly inactive moments play? And what notions of community do we ourselves carry within us?
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10.00 am – 3.00 pm.
Meeting point at 10.00 am: Neue Galerie (please be on time!)
Getting There: We’ll travel together by public transportation; please purchase your own ticket.
Requirements: Basic physical fitness and sure-footedness are required.
Required Equipment: Closed-toe shoes with treaded soles, water-repellent and warm clothing, a water bottle with a capacity of at least 1 liter, and lunch or a snack.
Distance and Trail Conditions: The actual hiking distance is approximately 3 km. In addition, there is a walk of about 1.5 km each way to and from the bus. We mostly walk on wide, easily navigable trails. However, there are also short sections with exposed roots and a few off-trail stretches.
Pace and Schedule: We walk very slowly and take our time to look around, talk, and discuss things together.
Ant Activity: Ant activity varies depending on the weather.
Registration: by email by October 16, 2026 (until 1pm), at office@kuveti.at. The hike will also take place in case of poor weather.
All programme activities are free of charge.
