How can we foster democratic conversation in times of online radicalisation, polarisation, and shrinking public discourse?This question lies at the heart of Threadquarters, a participatory artistic research project by Katharina Spitz, an Amsterdam-based textile artist and designer exploring inequality, identity, and embodied memory through feminist and material-oriented approaches, and the Berlin-based artivism duo Threads & Tits, working at the intersection of design research, activism, textile mediation, and education, with a focus on online radicalisation dynamics and democratic engagement. Together, they translate digital realities into tangible, analogue encounters that encourage reflection, dialogue, and critical thinking. In collaborative workshops, participants engage in hands-on textile practices—such as embroidery, weaving, and appliqué—to respond to specific online content, including memes, slogans, symbols, or viral trends. By turning digital phenomena into material objects, the project generates a physical, collective commentary on digital culture, inviting participants to reflect on how online content can fuel radicalisation and polarisation while fostering democratic dialogue, critical awareness, and embodied creative engagement. |
Threads&Tits (GER) (threadsandtits@gmail.com, IG @threadsandtits)