Matthias Schönijahn studied Literature, Sociology and Media Studies in Potsdam and completed his studies in Applied Theatre Studies (B.A. and M.A.) in Giessen with distinction. His work is based on theories and practices of deep listening, both as an artistic strategy and as a political practice. At the centre of his artistic exploration is the examination of temporary collective structures and the ecological entanglement of beings. Furthermore, he is interested in practices that open up to the co-authorship of more-than-human actors in the creation of artistic works. Based on long-term research, he develops videos, sound works and performative installations.

Matthias presented works at the Nowy Teatr Warsaw, the Spielart Festival Munich, the European Center for the Arts Dresden Hellerau, Hebbel am Ufer, SOPHIENSÆLE Berlin, the Theaterdiscounter Berlin, the Mousonturm Frankfurt am Main, Elisabeth-Kirche Berlin (Mitte), the Staatstheater Darmstadt, the Stadttheater Gießen and others. In the context of the museum he presented works at the Senckenberg Museum Frankfurt am Main, the atelierfrankfurt e.V., the Naturhistorisches Bern and SOMOS Gallerie Berlin.