26.11.2025 – 31.12.2026
Have times ever been certain? A look at history answers the question: No! But what does uncertainty actually mean? When or where does it arise? What does it refer to? How does uncertainty feel, and how do uncertainties – in the plural – feel? When do people accept uncertainties, and when do they reject them? Uncertainty is a fundamental human and everyday experience. It basically refers to not knowing about future events that may turn out to be positive or negative. From this feeling of uncertainty, people have always developed concepts and practices of security, prevention and precaution. The collection of votive offerings and other ‘religious’ objects in the Museum of Folklore bears witness to this, and not only for earlier times. With the Enlightenment, dangers receded and risk assessment emerged, along with probability theory and its calculability. The new exhibition curated by Birgit Johler as part of Worlds, Change, Perspectives deals with the topic of uncertainty – past and present. The starting point is the understanding of uncertainty as the basis of human life, while simultaneously rejecting the idea that complete security can be achieved.
Uncertainties as everyday life
26.11.2025 – 31.12.2026
Volkskundemuseum am Paulustor
www.museum-joanneum.at
