[Launch] Bourgeois Coldness by Henrike Kohpeiß

Join us for the launch of Bourgeois coldness, a critical examination of coldness as an affective condition that continues to shape the European subject. We will be joined for a reading by Henrike, followed by a conversation with artist and researcher Lore DSelys.

Schedule

19:00 - reading & conversation

Find the book here: https://rile.space/books/bourgeois-coldness

About Bourgeois Coldness

Bourgeois coldness refers to an affective strategy that offers an explanation for how self-preservation works. Bourgeois coldness is one of the most advanced affective and aesthetic forms of preserving the structure of the colonial status quo. It creates an affective shelter in the world, unencroached upon by the immediate consequences of its many catastrophes. It functions like air conditioning – a complex technology which reliably stabilises the climate until those inside consider it natural. Bourgeois spaces – institutional and affective – stay cool and pleasant. But outside it’s burning. Canonical critical theory by Adorno and Horkheimer enters a dialogue with Black studies through Hartman and Moten.

About Henrike Kohpeiß

Henrike Kohpeiß is a philosopher in Berlin, working on social and political philosophy, critical theory, affect studies, Black studies and feminist philosophy. She regularly publishes work in academic journals and criticism in magazines. She organises and hosts events in Berlin, such as the conversation series ‘Feelings at the end of the world’ at Volksbühne. Bourgeois Coldness is her first book, and was published in German in 2023 by Campus Verlag.

About Lore D Selys'

Working under different spells, spellings, praxis and formations, Lore D Selys’ are an artist, researcher, performer, dis-organiser (and occasional curator) working with words, lenses, multi-definitions of space, their users and inhabitants. Past or current projects and collaborations include Sour Tits, Planetary Erotics/Radio Earth Hold/ Weather or Not, JamaalalMalaak, The Planning Table, Translating the Impossible, Excess Beyond Recognition. Since 2020, Lore D Selys* host the AKT&RFLX seminar tackling issues about language and power, performative and collaborative practices in Brussels & elsewhere.