Is it us who touch the tones or is it the tones touching us? A collective listening session with blacklight and non-newtonian fluids. Through the nightmares of reduction, the dreams of queer seduction, the staying-in-touch and letting go. Of ringing bodies, the languages of joy and fluidifying modes of representation. Hearing as a way of touching distance, distance as a way of listening closely. Radical empathy as the invisible hand.

«Touching Tones with Tender Buttons» is a part of the project «French Kisses: On Tips of Tongues, and Feeling as Taste» curated by Amal Alhaag & Maria Guggenbichler at the project space District in Berlin. (Thursday 17 – Sunday 20 September 2015) 

«French Kisses» is an attempt to critically analyze as well as facilitate the framework from which to intervene into the socially segregating modus operandi of taste. «French Kisses» focuses on the queer art of feeling «wrongly», the political potential of proximity/intimacy and radical empathy. «French Kisses: On Tips of Tongues, and Feeling as Taste» curator Amal Alhaag and artist Maria Guggenbichler initiate a four day long series of encounters with the  aim to develop an understanding of taste which stems not from separateness, social distance or distinction, but from tasting as touching, being in touch, being touched and affected. While the workshops, conversations, DJ sessions, performances and gatherings are taking place in different locations around Berlin, «French Kisses: On Tips of Tongues, and Feeling as Taste» at District also materializes in the form of an open archive of stimulants and references.

«French Kisses» is a 4-day gathering of a group of international cultural practitioners, guests, audiences and organizers. With Andreea Hannah Black, Lorenzo Sandoval, Pavel alias D.R.E.E.A., Girls Like Us Magazine, Max Göran, Fred Hystère/Anna Frei, Romy Rüegger and many others. All activities and events are open to the interested public. The four day gathering is hosted by the Side Room (Amal Alhaag, Maria Guggenbichler) and District Berlin in various locations across the city of Berlin.