D wie Deutscher

 

Alienationist | Eliza Goldox | Franka Kaßner | Elana Katz | Armin Keplinger | Markus Merkle | Marcel Odenbach | Ann Schomburg | ...thabo thindi

Exhibition Page

Northeim, sculptures. Ann Schomburg 2011

About the Exhibition

Society and its institutions are constantly evolving. Global outcomes impact local communities every day, and the digital integration into our daily lives blurs familiar boundaries, while military conflicts push for territorial shifts. The concept of national (state) citizenship faces new challenges, as do the institutions that strive for inclusion and solidarity with transnational social movements.

From October 20 to December 15, 2023, the German Artists' Association presents the exhibition "D like German?" featuring nine artists who live and work in Germany. The focus is on the reflection and impact of the term "German" on everyday life and the arts. What meanings are attributed to the term under changing societal conditions? The possibilities of use and the contexts in which the charged word "German" is employed are full of contradictions. There is the political interpretation, which is national and male-patriarchal and simultaneously affects grammar and our use of language. There is the material and often idealistic interpretation that denotes affiliation with a state whose passport and who gets it are contested. In contrast, there are digital nomads who, thanks to newfound mobility, free themselves from the idea of the national. They celebrate social togetherness and often find themselves confronted with an identity politics that fosters isolation and racism.

The nine artists participating in the exhibition "D like German?" – Alienationist, Eliza Goldox, Franka Kaßner, Elana Katz, Armin Keplinger, Markus Merkle, Marcel Odenbach, Ann Schomburg, and ...thabo thindi – examine historical events in German history and their effects on the present in their works. They create contemporary portraits of the interplay between origin and belonging, make current attempts at reassessment, and develop a counter-narrative focused on empowerment and change.

Curated by Philip Kojo Metz

Project Coordination: Sigrid Melchior

Memories of timetravelling

Exploring

"Gentrification, Arts, and Cultural Heritage" at the Sixth Annual International Gathering of Artists in Fez, Morocco

Ann Schomburg: Performance Lecture - Memories of Time Travelling

Introduction: Every life story is a unique carpet woven with experiences and memories that shape our identities. This performance lecture will explore the interplay between gentrification, art, and cultural heritage via personal narratives. Embarking on a journey through selected artworks and experiences, we will delve deeper into the themes of change, memory, and preserving creative spaces. The lecture vibe will consider creative spaces equal to physical and mental places.

By taking a closer look into personal experiences and artistic expression, this performance lecture focuses on mainly three works: Void Time, Celebrating Time, and The Idling Mobile. The lecture aims to open a space for reflection, dialogue, and collective understanding. Through our discussions, I hope to share experiences of the challenges we all face in preserving our creative environments and contribute to the ongoing conversation about the impacts of urban transformation.

Focus of the Talk:

The Ausstellungsexhibition (exhibition installation) void time, was selected by Sophia Gräfe and  Arkadij Koscheew to be shown at their exhibition “On Equal Terms” during the Art Week 2022 in the Uferhallen Berlin wedding. 54 artists were creating a collective memory out of the fragile moment of discovering a creation that felt like an art piece for the very first time.

 

Void Time, Installation,Uferhallen, Berlin 2022

The exhibition and the place that invited this installation were loaded with history:
Indeed, the Uferhallen in Berlin's Wedding district has become a focal point in the ongoing gentrification debate. Artists who have long occupied their studios within the Uferhallen are now facing the challenge of preserving their creative spaces against the pressure from investors and potential development projects. This clash embodies a more significant issue of cultural displacement as these artists strive to maintain the unique character and vibrancy of the area against the encroachment of commercial interests. The struggle highlights the tension between the preservation of artistic and cultural heritage and the forces driving urban transformation and increased property values. But this is the story of the artist collectively fighting there.

"Celebrating Time “, a performance/happening inside the installation void time. A piece that takes us on a journey back to the era of Berlin house parties. A nostalgic reflection on the past, this piece invokes memories of open parties and communal experiences that defined an era. It encapsulates a sense of freedom and exploration, sometimes escapism. Yet, this reflection is tinged with the realization that these moments have transformed due to gentrification's relentless march. Reshaping the urban landscape and how people interact with their time, places, and strangers, especially considering the growing financial pressure to live and surrender.

 

The Idling Mobile, lecture Kitchentalks, Städl Schule Frankfurt2015

 

Furthering the exploration, we encounter the concept of the idling mobile, a self-organized artist residency. Here, personal experiences intertwine with the overarching theme of gentrification and cultural heritage preservation. This residency serves as a testament to the resilience of artists against the backdrop of urban change. Through the idling mobile, artists reclaim agency over their spaces, echoing the sentiment of resistance that runs through the struggle against gentrification.

Ultimately, these narratives illustrate the profound interplay between individual creativity, urban transformation, and cultural heritage. By sharing these experiences, we aim to foster a nuanced understanding of artists' challenges in preserving their creative sanctuaries within the currents of gentrification. These stories collectively contribute to the ongoing dialogue concerning preserving artistic and cultural diversity in the face of urban metamorphosis.

BACKGROUND:

The 6th Annual International Artists Gathering of Fez Explores “Gentrification, Arts, and Cultural Heritage”

Dates: 5-8 October 2023

The renowned Annual International Gathering of Artists returns to Fez, Morocco for its sixth edition with a powerful theme: "Gentrification, Arts, and Cultural Heritage.” Hosted by the Fez Gathering, this dynamic event brings together Moroccan and global artists, featuring a range of exhibitions, panel discussions, workshops, and live demonstrations. The event serves as a unique platform, allowing the local artistic community of Fez to present their work to a broader international audience.

This year, the Fez Gathering delves into the role of art in addressing the pressing challenges of gentrification. Attendees can expect a rich tapestry of art installations, performances, and activities, all spotlighting the transformative potential of art and culture in urban spaces. The discussions will also tackle the balance of rejuvenating urban areas without sidelining the communities often linked with gentrification. In doing so, the event aspires to foster intergenerational dialogues, spotlight the contemporary Moroccan art scene, and amplify emerging Moroccan artists, all against the backdrop of Fez—a city that has historically been a bridge between diverse worlds.

Beyond the aesthetics, the Fez Gathering will ignite discussions around the role of arts beyond its intrinsic value. The debate will encompass the interplay between arts, cultural heritage, market forces, and religious dynamics, aiming to understand how art can pave the way for a hopeful future.

The Fez Gathering was conceived in 2015 by Omar Chennafi, a Fez native and notable Moroccan artist and photographer. The ethos of each Gathering is to bolster dialogue and deeper engagement within the arts. This year's participants will be immersed in insightful workshops and discussions centered on the “Gentrification and Cultural Heritage” narrative.
In alignment with the festival's spirit, entry is complimentary for all, and post-event feedback from attendees is highly encouraged. The four-day event will be widely covered across social media platforms, featuring artist interviews and participant interactions.

This stellar event is made possible through collaborations with partners such as The Goethe Institute in Rabat, Institut Français in Fez, American Language Center of Fez, Noujoum Center, The Fes Medina Project, Kan Ya Makan Center, among others.

http://www.fezgathering.com

VoidTime- A collective memory

A Cameleon shape-shifting between collective installation and its exhibition.

As most people understand and experience it, time is linear; it has a past, present, and future. However, certain philosophical, spiritual, and scientific theories challenge this conventional perspective, suggesting that time may be cyclical or even multi-dimensional.

Artistic journeys often mirror these complexities of time. Artists embark on unique paths, shaped by their past experiences, current perceptions, and future aspirations. The work "Void Time" delves deep into this intricate relationship between time and artistic evolution, probing the foundational moments when artists first recognized their creations as "art."

Interestingly, the first conscious foray into art often sets the tone for an artist's subsequent oeuvre. For some, that debut remains a landmark, unmatched in its vigor and novelty. Others might find their initial explorations a steppingstone, evolving but retaining core themes throughout their careers. Yet, a few might divert drastically, with their beginnings bearing little resemblance to their later works.

The introspective question, "Am I important enough for someone interested in my beginnings?" is universal, transcending artistic realms. At some point, everyone ponders their origins' significance and value. In art, as in life, beginnings hold profound weight, for they encapsulate a creator's raw, unfiltered essence, untouched by external influences or self-imposed restrictions.

The very act of questioning and exploring such themes reaffirms the non-linear nature of personal and artistic journeys, suggesting that while time might be linear, our experiences within it are anything but.

So many times, I heard the question: Am I important enough that someone cares about my origin?

"...am I important enough?" underscores a deep-seated human desire for validation and recognition. In the realm of art, where expression is often intimate and vulnerable, this quest for acknowledgment becomes even more pronounced. Artists, despite their external show of confidence, frequently grapple with self-doubt and seek external validation for their work and worth.

Yet, this critical self-reflection, this ongoing internal dialogue, adds layers of depth and authenticity to their creations. It is a trait common among many profound thinkers and creators. Such introspection and genuine passion often give birth to the most resonant and timeless works of art. I saw this in so many people I cherish and admire.

 

Imagine art has its own value within itself. This value isn't always quantifiable, nor should it be. By emphasizing the intrinsic worth of art and artists, devoid of exploitative logic, you're nurturing an environment where art can flourish, unburdened by commercial expectations or societal constraints.

 

The decision to protect artists and their creations from the pervasive demands of commercialization speaks volumes, especially in this era dominated by rapid consumerism and profit motives, which was my original reason for starting the Idling Gallery.

A noncommercial pop-up gallery shows up where it's needed. No one will save us if we do not save ourselves and create our own healthy environment. Such an environment can only be temporary in this world, but it not only offers artists a sanctuary for unhindered expression but also safeguards their works from the influence of external pressures in this moment. 

Artist:

´

Floor plan

or  the individuals

Remapping Leipzig, das Netz (de)

 Eine neue Bewegung: Re*mapping Leipzig

ist eine APP, die künstlerisch Geschichte und Gegenwart der Leipziger Frauen:bewegungen vermittelt und im Stadtraum sowohl vergessene Geschichten als auch gegenwärtige Konflikte sichtbar macht.

Remapping Leipzig https://remapping-leipzig.de/ Das Netz, Ann Schomburg, 2022

Hintergrund: 

Mit Video, Audio und digitalen Comics sowie experimentellen Augmented Reality Beiträgen will Eine neue Bewegung: Re*mapping Leipzig dem kollektiven Leipziger Stadtgedächtnis auf die Sprünge helfen und weibliche Themen im Stadtraum sichtbar machen. Dabei wird deutlich wie heutige feministische Bewegungen in ihren Debatten immer wieder an historische Kämpfe anknüpfen, die mitunter auch in Leipzig initiiert wurden.

Der Rundgang durch Leipzig bringt uns u.a. von der Leipziger Innenstadt zur Hochschule für Musik und Theater, in den Friedenspark oder die ehemalige Leipziger Baumwollspinnerei sowie zur Gedenkstätte für Zwangsarbeit und die feministische Bibliothek MONAliesA. Alle Beiträge zu den Stationen entstehen gerade als experimentelle Kooperationen zwischen Autor:innen, Wissenschaftler:innen und Aktivist:innen, Sound- und Videokünstler:innen,  Performer:innen, Programmierer:innen, Grafiker:innen und Kurator:innen, die alle mit Leipzig verbunden sind.

On Equal Terms, Uferhallen

When the curatorial duo Sophia Gräfe and Arkardij Koscheew invited me to participate in their "On Equal Terms" exhibit, they presented a 4x4 meter space for my creative exploration. Though initial talks revolved around the 'Idling Mobile' concept, potentially for documentaries or fresh works, the exhibit's scope soon expanded.

The pandemic’s confines deepened my dialogues with fellow artists. Isolated, our reflections became introspective, focusing on the passage of time and the essence of 'art'. We time traveled throughout our artistic journeys, pondering the moments when we first recognized our creations as ‘true art'.

Such profound introspection reshaped my approach. Instead of revisiting the past, I weave a tapestry of our collective artistic memories.

In response, over 50 artists united for this cause, contributing to our segment in “On Equal Terms.” 

German Press:

Radio Bericht RBB (zur installation 2:50)

Exhibition Page

https://uferhallen-ev.de/events/on-equal-terms-gruppenausstellung/

Schaum und Rausch "interview mit einem Konsummonster"

Das entstandende Video ist vom 01. - 06.09. während der Öffnungszeiten der Ausstellung -=+ zu sehen.

Was ist eigentlich Ihr Trigger? Trigger warnings poppen überall im Internet auf. Das Magazin „bento“  erklärt: "Trigger" ist englisch und bedeutet Auslöser. Bezogen auf menschliche Gefühle benutzt man ihn eigentlich in der Psychologie, und zwar für Dinge, die Erinnerungen an traumatische Erlebnisse auslösen können. Seinen Weg ins Internet fand der Begriff dann zunächst über Trigger-Warnungen, mit denen potenziell traumatisierende Inhalte versehen werden. 

(https://www.bento.de/gefuehle/trigger-warnungen-psychologe-erklaert-wann-und-inwiefern-sie-sinnvoll-sind-a-39b38eab-e1d3-42a4-b501-75637bbb343f)

Das KünstlerInnenkollektiv „Schaum und Rausch“ stellt die Frage, was eigentlich passiert, wenn unser Konsumverhalten in eine seelische Krise gerät. Hat unser Konsumverhalten etwa eine Seele und falls ja,  wie würde eine Heilung stattfinden?

In einem inszenierten Performancedreh präsentieren „Schaum und Rausch“ eine dadaistische Therapiesitzung, in der das Konsummonster von der Figur der Gardinenfrau mithilfe von Selbsthilfe-DIY-Videos befragt wird. Der verzweifelte Versuch, das Konsummonster zu heilen wird unterbrochen durch die Figur des Aliens und eines neuen Protagonisten: Dem Kitchenboy. Der Kampf darum, die Aufmerksamkeit zu behalten wird schnell zu einer großen Herausforderung.

Die Performance wird in 360° aufgezeichnet und die Aufnahmen für künstlerische Arbeiten verwendet. Die Teilnahme an der Performance setzt das Einverständnis der Besucher*innen an Filmaufnahmen ihrer Person voraus.

kasselerkunstverein.de/news-view/news/News/performance-trigger-warning

There and back again, visual fiction.

 Download Game

There and back again

“There and back again” is a game recreating the experience of a memory loss. The Player wakes up in a snowy setting. His memory is erased. During the game he is challenged to find notes with photographs that are triggering memories.