Generating spaces of encounter and knowledge. Daniel Kötter audiovisual work

Abstract

This article explores the audiovisual work of German artist Daniel Kötter, focusing on his radical approach to space and his processual methodology, which combines collective research, local collaborations, and experimental documentary practices. Through a detailed analysis of Hashti Tehran (2017)—a project examining the peripheries of Tehran—the study highlights how Kötter’s work generates situated knowledge by intertwining discursive, visual, and social dimensions. His films transcend traditional urban narratives, emphasizing marginalized spaces as sites of political and ecological transformation. By engaging with local agents and fostering interdisciplinary dialogues, Kötter’s practice challenges conventional spatial epistemologies, offering a framework for understanding contemporary urban crises. The article situates his work within broader debates in artistic research, critical geography, and experimental filmmaking, drawing on theorists like Edward Soja and Félix Guattari to underscore its political and aesthetic significance.