Poetic Frequencies is a new artist-in-residence series launched by the ZKM | Hertzlab in collaboration with the UNESCO City of Literature Heidelberg. Every two years, it will bring international poets and artists from the network of UNESCO Cities of Literature to Karlsruhe and Heidelberg. The inaugural residency will feature renowned Indian poet and Mohiniyattam dancer Dr. Arya Gopi, who will present her project Mudra Mandala, an exploration of new poetic forms at the intersection of tradition and technology. Dr. Gopi will be a guest at the ZKM | Center for Art and Media from September to November 2025.
At the heart of Mudra Mandala lies an artistic engagement with mudras—symbolic hand gestures from the classical South Indian dance form Mohiniyattam. In 24 choreographed video poems, Gopi translates these gestures into digital visual poetry, creating a contemplative, visual mandala. The project is not intended as a classical dance performance, but as an intermedia invitation to quiet reflection on cultural identity, everyday philosophy, and the possibilities of artistic communication beyond language and geographical boundaries.
Program in Karlsruhe and Heidelberg
Mudra Mandala will be accompanied by public readings and workshops in Karlsruhe and Heidelberg, where Arya Gopi will offer insights into her poetic and dance practices. The residency thus creates not only a space for intercultural exchange but also for artistic encounters with the public.
Dr. Arya Gopi is from Kozhikode in Kerala, one of India’s UNESCO Cities of Literature. She has been writing poetry in Malayalam and English for over 30 years, teaches English literature at The Zamorin’s Guruvayurappan College, and integrates traditional art forms with contemporary media and language arts in her work. Central to her artistic practice are female perspectives and experiences within patriarchal societies. Her literary work has earned her more than 50 awards, including the prestigious Kanakasree Award from the Kerala State Sahitya Akademi.
Poetic Frequencies is part of a newly launched program developed by the ZKM | Hertzlab in cooperation with the Cultural Office of Heidelberg. The initiative is led by Tina Lorenz (ZKM) and Andrea Edel (UNESCO City of Literature Heidelberg). It is aimed at artists from the 53 UNESCO Cities of Literature around the world and strengthens international collaboration within the network of UNESCO Creative Cities.