Susan Sontag „everything matters“

How is it that the thoughts and writings of a select few remain as relevant and modern today as they were 70 years ago? This question lies at the heart of the exhibition “Susan Sontag: everything matters” at the Literaturhaus Munich which opens in May 2025. The show examines the life and legend of the philosopher, essayist, writer and political activist (1933-2004) based on her biography, interests and personal belongings. Beginning with Sontag’s childhood, visitors can learn how this girl from small-town America became one of the most prominent intellectuals of the 20th century, and discover the books she read, the records she listened to, and the people she met. By means of photos, film excerpts and texts, the exhibition follows her rise to becoming an intellectual icon of the 1960s and depicts how she came to write such influential essays as “Against Interpretation”. In addition to her photography, political activism and illness, the exhibition also addresses ambivalent topics such as Sontag’s view of feminism and her influence as a writer.

The leitmotif of the exhibition is the “list”. Lists played an integral and structurally important role in Sontag’s thinking and her pioneering texts like “Notes on Camp” and numerous diary entries. The exhibition texts themselves are also presented as lists, making them better suited for understanding complex themes. At the same time, visitors are encouraged to pen their own thoughts (in list form). The organiser plans to supplement the exhibition with an extensive accompanying programme of discussions, workshops and guided tours by philosophers, writers and artists.

Artistic director: Tanja Graf
Curator: Anna Seethaler
Concept: Anna-Lisa Dieter
Design: unodue{münchen

Exhibition: Literaturhaus, Munich: 23 May – 23 Nov. 2025