On Everyone's Lips: The Oral Cavity in Art and Culture

The oral cavity is a highly stimulating area of the body that has been investigated by science, medicine, art, and cultural history. The Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg will present the first comprehensive show about the mouth in 2020, with a companion publication that offers essays that explore the topic in depth.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 19 November 2020
Publisher: Hatje Cantz

The oral cavity, a vibrant and incredibly stimulating region of the body, has captured the attention of scientists, physicians, artists, and cultural historians alike. This remarkable area encompasses a wide range of functions, including speech, pain, screeching, eating, swallowing, spouting, and spitting. It is a realm of intense sensations and emotions, from the pleasures of lust and passion to the complexities of communication. While science and medicine have extensively studied the oral cavity, art and cultural history have also played a significant role in unraveling its mysteries.

The Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg, in recognition of the mouth's profound significance, has embarked on a comprehensive exploration of its history. As part of this endeavor, the museum is presenting the first-ever exhibition dedicated to the mouth in the fall of 2020. The accompanying publication, a rich and thematic companion, offers in-depth essays that delve into the topic, providing a deeper understanding of the mouth's past, present, and potential future.

The exhibition delves into the mouth's various aspects, examining its physical characteristics, inventory, and abilities. Through the lens of film history, ethnology, literary theory, and architecture, the exhibition explores the cultural and historical contexts that have shaped the mouth's perception and significance. Film clips, historical artifacts, and contemporary installations come together to create a multi-dimensional experience that invites viewers to explore the mouth's rich tapestry.

The companion publication, with its thematic essays, takes the exploration further. Contributors from diverse fields bring their expertise to bear on the mouth, offering insights and perspectives that challenge traditional understandings. The essays explore the mouth's role in art, literature, and popular culture, highlighting its aesthetic and symbolic significance. They also examine the mouth's biological and physiological aspects, exploring how it functions as a conduit for communication, taste, and digestion.

The exhibition and companion publication serve as a testament to the mouth's enduring fascination and its potential for interdisciplinary exploration. They remind us of the complex interplay between the physical and cultural aspects of the mouth and its profound impact on our lives. Whether through scientific inquiry, artistic expression, or cultural heritage, the mouth continues to inspire and intrigue us, reminding us of the power of the human body and the richness of our shared human experience.

Weight: 2330g
Dimension: 319 x 247 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783775748001