It Goes Without Saying: Contemporary Language Exhibition at Kunsthal Extra City

It Goes Without Saying is a group exhibition exploring the non-neutrality of language, tracing how it moves between private and public realms. Through diverse mediums including sculpture, drawing, installation, and video, the artists investigate how speech and symbols function as tools for connection, manipulation, care, and protest.

Language is never neutral; it is a living, contested field that shapes our thoughts, emotions, and collective actions. This exhibition examines the power of language as it oscillates between intimate confessions and public demands, exploring how it can both unite and divide. The showcased works—ranging from sculptures and installations to videos—question the authority of dictionary definitions and seek alternative forms of expression in areas where words fall short, such as collective mourning or the communication of sensitive geopolitical concepts. The exhibition also highlights the challenges of navigating cultural and social landscapes when one’s native language is absent or only partially known. In these contexts, translation acts as a vital bridge, allowing individuals to acknowledge their past, engage with the present, and envision future possibilities. By bringing together a range of international artists, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on how we use language to anchor our identities and navigate the complex terrains of contemporary life.

Visit the Kunsthal Extra City website for more information on opening hours and admission details for the exhibition.