Monday, June 29, 2026
7 PM 

Accompanying the current exhibition Collective Osmosis, this reading explores central themes in Oscar Murillo’s artistic practice, delving deeper into questions of exchange and community, and expanding on these themes through literature and discourse. Looking at current debates, one might think our society is divided into opposing camps: “lazy” versus “hardworking,” “woke” versus “right-wing,” “warmongers” versus “anti-war activists.”   

In her book Verbinden statt spalten. Eine Antwort auf die Politik der Polarisierung, 2025, S. Fischer (Connecting Instead of Dividing: A Response to the Politics of Polarisation, 2025, S. Fischer), journalist and author Gilda Sahebi debunks myths and fake facts. 

Drawing on current debates surrounding social benefits, migration, gender and “wokeness,” war and peace, and the coronavirus, this political science graduate debunks narratives that are politically manufactured and amplified by the media.  

In her non-fiction book, Gilda Sahebi demonstrates how social division is deliberately constructed for political purposes, who benefits from it, and why it is so effective. Above all, however, she makes clear that we have more in common than what divides us. Studies also paint this picture: People are generally much happier in their everyday lives than one might think—they help one another and seek connection rather than conflict or hatred. On this evening, the author will read from her book and discuss with cultural journalist Christine Watty how, in times of heated debate, we can once again foster greater connection and constructive dialogue.  

Hosted by: Christine Watty  
The reading will take place at Cafébar Hedwig.  

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