What happens when political power meets digital culture? When history is not recorded in textbooks, but in memes? Politics of Idiocracy, Pendar Nabipour’s latest project, transforms iconic political bloopers into paintings and asks how absurdity, media and collective memory shape leadership today.
This six-week exhibition and residency, from May 1 to June 15, 2025 at Het Wilde Weten, explores art, journalism, and satire. Through painting, public discussions, and an ongoing archive, Politics of Idiocracy the audience to reflect on the vulnerability of those in power, human vulnerabilities, the viral nature of political moments and the role of humour in public discourse. To make this project possible, Nabipour has started a crowdfunding campaign on voordekunst. Make a donation and help make this happen Politics of Idiocracy.
Open studio residency & public discussions
The first four weeks will The Wild Know serve as a working studio, where Pendar will be present daily to complete the final paintings of the series. Visitors are welcome to observe the process and participate in informal discussions.
every Friday (2, 9, 16 and 23 May) from 17:00 PM to 20:00 PM four public discussion meetings held with guest speakers and interactive discussions on topics such as:
- Friday May 2: Digital culture and the role of memes in shaping political narratives
- Friday May 9: Journalism, representation and the tension between truth and satire
- Friday May 16: The Future of Democracy in an Age of Spectacle and Viral Media
- Friday May 23: Human vulnerability, power and the absurdity of leadership
Participation in these events is free, after registration
Exhibition & Special Events
Opening Night | May 30 | 17:00 PM – 23:00 PM
The exhibition officially opens with a presentation of 10 large-scale paintings (120×120 cm), each based on journalistic images turned into viral political memes. The exhibition also presents audio recordings of the already recorded podcast sessions with experts and public discussion sessions.
Exhibition opening hours:
- Monday June 2 – Sunday June 15 – open daily from 16:00 – 20:00
- The opening hours of the exhibition on June 6 and 13 are from 16.00:17.30 PM to XNUMX:XNUMX PM
- Visits outside these hours are possible by appointment
Media & Politics Event | June 6 | 17:00 PM – 20:30 PM
A discussion event with an artist talk, guest speakers and a Q&A session with invited guests and participants working in media and politics. During this event we will have a professional discussion about the impact of the two industries in the real world and on the lives of the public. Register via this Google form to stay informed about event details and speakers' names.
