Glazial-Kosmogonie is a multi-element installation. The various images are not what they purport to be; they invite the viewer to question the nature of what they see. It combines photographs with extracts of historical materials to examine constructs of knowledge and truth. The project departs from the early 20th century pseudo-science “World Ice Theory (Welteislehre)”, invented by Austrian engineer Hanns Hörbiger. The theory posits that most cosmic elements: the moon, stars, planets are composed of ice. Existing at the border of science, philosophy, cult and art Hörbiger’s proposal for a “cosmic cultural history“ established an explanatory framework insulated against principles of scientific verifiability. Though roundly denounced by the scientific community, World Ice Theory was enthusiastically embraced by the general public and endorsed by the Nazis.
The theory’s trajectory reflects the catastrophic impact that systems of understanding wedded to notorious political ideologies exert on established paradigms.

Josée Pedneault’s exhibition is being presented in the context of the EMOP – European  Month of Photography Berlin. | www.emop-berlin.eu