science+fiction: altered states

Exhibition
Lecture «blotter art»
Music
Movies
Round table

From 4 to 6 May, under the theme «Altered States», the Sommercasino will be the venue for workshops, film screenings (in English), an exhibition, parties and more. «Rausch» – a German word with a wide range of meanings ­– can refer to psychedelic art, to drugs, stress or just to lucky moments that are beyond words. Ever since humankind has sought to reach altered states, be it as a source of inspiration or as a means of escaping from reality. What drives people all over the world to seek intoxication and other altered states? What happens to our body when we are in a high? Come and join our discussion surrounding psychedelic experiences and altered states.
science+fiction guarantees a fresh perspective on current research – for science is a matter of concern to all of us.

About us

Science and technology influence our daily lives and the workings of society, even though we might not be conscious of it. In cooperation with our program partners, we develop particular formats to offer new experiences. We aim to present complex issues in a comprehensive and playful manner. Each year, we concentrate on a certain main topic, shedding light upon common and uncommon issues surrounding it.

Exhibition

The exhibition and the thrilling scenography invite you to experience romantic ecstasy, by submerging your ears in clashes of urban and natural sound and altering your perception of surrounding light. Furthermore, we present a selection of contemporary and earlier psychedelic art.
During the festival you may profit from free guided tours as well as two artist talks.

Saturday, 06.00 PM

Blotter Art

State of Art at the Altar of Altered States

Mark McCloud, artist, art historian and collector

Mark McCloud is the world’s leading collector of «Blotter Art» which means he collects the small papers used to transport LSD. Mark McCloud will present about 200 images of the artwork found on LSD Blotter paper from the last 50 years. Many of the images presented will also be shown in the exhibition of the festival.

Music

At Friday night, a variety of psychadelic and electric music will transform the Sommercasino in a temple of altered states.
On Saturday night, the legendary Random party provides us with excellent drum n’ bass sounds.

In the Hall

11.00 PM – 01.00 AM
Dub Spencer & Trance Hill

01.00 AM – 02.15 AM
ChillyTrippyDippy

02.15 AM – 04.00 AM
Mat Mushroom

Movies

Friday, 08.00 PM

The Substance – Albert Hofmann’s LSD

Martin Witz 2011, 90min

In 1943 Albert Hofmann synthesized LSD. Fractions of a milligram are enough to turn our framework of time and space upside down. Could LSD be an instrument of contemporary psychiatry? The story of a drug – from its discovery in Basel to the latest research.
The director will be available to answer your questions and discuss the movie after the screening.

Saturday, 04.00 PM

Easy Rider

Dennis Hopper 1969, 95min

Two young «hippie» bikers, Wyatt and Billy sell some dope in Southern California and set off on a trip – a personal odyssey – that takes them across the United States in search of new way of life.

Saturday, 08.00 PM

Spring Breakers

Harmony Korine 2012, 93min

Four college girls rob a restaurant in order to fund their spring break vacation. While partying, drinking, and taking drugs, they are arrested, only to be bailed out by a drug and arms dealer.

Sunday, 09.00 PM

Yellow Submarine

George Dunning 1968, 90min

The music hating Blue Meanies take over Pepperland and freeze everyone within it. To save them, Captain Fred and his Yellow Submarine recruit The Beatles. Along the way, they fall through the Sea of Time, the Sea of Holes and more.

Saturday, 02.30-04.00 PM

Panel Discussion

The Culture of 68
Its traces in Science, Art and Society

Follow our round table into the depths of the 68’s movement: Centering on the hallucinogenic substance LSD, we look back on 50 years of psychedelic art, culture and visions of society.