If science is queen at Humboldt Lab, then #Logoskop is her court jester. Since 2021, artistic freedom has been making monthly appearances at Humboldt University’s exhibition space, using literature to shake up the scientific perspective. Equipped with microphones and amplifiers, two slam poets wander through the exhibition and recite texts.
This time, slam poets Markus Köhle and Marie-Claire Tjombe will be joining us. Together, they will comment on the exhibition ‘On Water’ with live recitations. Visitors are invited to accompany them on their tour of eloquence.
Curated by Bas Böttcher
Markus Köhle
Markus Köhle writes to be heard. He is a language installer, literary magazine activist, and Austria’s “Slam Papa.” He studied German and Romance languages in Innsbruck and Rome, and served as a research project assistant at the University of Innsbruck from 2004 to 2006. Since 2001, he has been active in literature, literary criticism, literary studies, and as a literary event organizer. He has been organizing poetry slams since 2002. He gives readings, lectures, and workshops in schools, universities, and various cultural venues both in Austria and abroad (e.g., the Austrian Library in Budapest, Yerevan, Volgograd; Goethe-Institut in Alexandria, Kolkata, Tashkent; Austrian Cultural Forum in Ljubljana, Cairo, Rome; Summer Academy in Zakynthos; universities in Astana, Bucharest, New Delhi, Manila, Prague, Shanghai, Stellenbosch, …).
Marie-Claire Tjombe
Marie-Claire Tjombe is the reigning Saxon Poetry Slam Champion (2026). She has been performing on poetry slam stages since November 2024 and, in her very first year on stage, qualified to compete in the Leipzig City Championship as well as the finals of the 2025 Saxon State Championship. She also regularly performs on stages throughout Germany, even beyond the borders of Saxony. She sees poetry slam as an opportunity and a privilege to touch people with her words, inspire reflection, and spread hope. The 24-year-old, a native of Leipzig, combines personal experiences with reflection, a clear stance, and playful imagery. Her texts are warm and honest, critical yet conciliatory. Her work centers on identity, mental health, community, and resilience, as well as a precise play on language and word meanings. When she’s not on stage, she’s studying to become a high school teacher of German, ethics, and philosophy.