I rise and sinǥk in the wind
Analog photography, publication, video installation on textile (2025)
There is a swing in my allotment garden.
This summer I was either swinging or thinking about it.
As I did so, I spiraled further and further into memories and feelings,
which made me think about the aesthetics of allotment gardens, my grandparents, the GDR and the swing itself.
I've been working with these topics and "I rise and sinǥk in the wind" was created.
The work comprises a small publication and a video installation.
The publication contains a series of photographs, cyanotypes based on them, and a poem. With it, I attempt to process the impressions and feelings I had while swinging with a view of the allotment gardens; observations of the surroundings, memories of my grandparents' garden, and thoughts on how the historical past
echoes in the aesthetics of East German allotment gardens.
The video installation deals with the trance-like back-and-forth swinging motion. The monotonous, rhythmic movement can induce a state of calm or trance, as it reduces stress and promotes the release of endorphins. The repetitive text, spoken by Anke vom Sund, combined with the pendulum-like movement, reinforces the hypnotic effect. The movement of the chest contracting and expanding follows the same basic structure as the up and down motion of swinging, so that both movements mirror each other. The work is projected onto my grandmother's tablecloth, whose floral pattern resonates with the surroundings.
Exhibition view: Group exhibition "Fanny" at the Kunstverein zu Wismar, Galerie hinterm Rathaus
