Cuteness – Aporien der Niedlichkeit

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Subject according curriculum

General studies

Teachers

Scope

Wednesdays, 2-5 p.m. (bi-weekly): Dates: 15.10.; 19.11.; 03.12.; 07.01.; 21.01.; 04.02. ZOOM link for online participation: https://hfmt-hamburg-de.zoom-x.de/j/64515952620?pwd=wRdwa3G4vSBYS8b1VMmcvGKOyzJ3S1.1

Room

Wiesendamm - Raum 1.12 (Seminarraum 1)

Duration

1.5 Semesterwochenstunden

Description

What makes someone or something "cute" - and why does it have such a powerful effect on us? Cuteness not only stimulates us on a cognitive level, but is also translated into bodily reactions in the sense of affect aesthetics. These range from the impulse to touch or protect something tenderly to so-called cute aggression, which arises when cuteness is experienced excessively strongly. In this seminar we examine the cultural phenomenon of cuteness in a complex present: between affective overwhelm, popular aesthetics and critical practice.

At first glance, cuteness seems to mark a position of weakness. It appears vulnerable, soft, infantile, naive - characteristics that have often been devalued and marginalized in cultural history. Yet its ambivalent potential lies precisely in this supposed inferiority: cuteness can irritate social norms of toughness or coolness and open up alternative forms of strength and meaning. By evoking closeness, care and attention - in the sense of the reparative turn - cuteness can become a resistant stance. Its potential goes beyond a mere "aestheticization of the powerless" (Gnai 2005). This gentle but effective form of influence can be understood as soft power, which does not rely on dominance but on attention.

This also opens up a broader art and cultural-historical perspective: for a long time, cuteness was located alongside kitsch, femininity or triviality - while the sublime, monumental and avant-garde were considered "real" art. This separation still reflects social, gender and cultural hierarchies today. An attitude of critical cuteness is therefore required. In the seminar we want to explore these phenomena theoretically.

Literature

Sara Ahmed (2010): The Promise of Happiness, Durham/London; Lauren Berlant (2011): Cruel Optimism, Durham/London; Eva Blome et al. (eds.) (2022): "Süüüüß!", Zeitschrift für Kulturwissenschaften; Katja Gunkel et al. (eds.) (2020): #cute. An Aesthetics of Cuteness between Nature and Art, Frankfurt/New York; Annekathrin Kohout (ed.) (2023): Cuteness. The Cute as an Aesthetic Category, Kunstforum International; Kunsthalle Erfurt (2025): The Cute Escape - Empathy, Empowerment, Sensitivity. Glossary; Sianne Ngai (ed.) (2022): The Cute (Documents of Contemporary Art), London; this. (2005): "The Cuteness of the Avant-Garde", Critical Inquiry 31.4, pp. 811-847.

Credits

2 Creditpoints

Comments

Interest in the connection between theory and artistic practice, a presentation in the seminar and a written reflection are required to obtain credit points. Various approaches to theory work will be tested, including dialogic reading, clustering or AI-supported readings. Optional participation without the awarding of credit points is also possible and takes place after consultation with the lecturers.

Registration: Please register by 13.10.2025 to katharina.alsen@hfmt-hamburg.de and benjamin.sprick@hfmt-hamburg.de

Modules

Modul Theorie Master Dramaturgie, Wahlmodul Master Dramaturgie, Theorie 1, Theorie 2, Modul Theorie 1 Schauspiel, Regie Schauspiel, Regie Musiktheater, Modul Theorie 2 Schauspiel, Regie Schauspiel, Regie Musiktheater, Modul Theorie 3 Schauspiel, Regie Schauspiel, Regie Musiktheater, Wahlmodul 1 Regie Musiktheater, Regie Schauspiel, Wahlmodul freie Wahl (alle Studiengänge), Wahlmodul Lehramt, Wahlmodul 1 Regie, Wahlmodul 2 Regie