Video installation, 4,5 × 3,5 m projection, 17:27 min loop, stereo sound, Böhler Areal, Hall 9, Düsseldorf, DE, 2025
A conspicuous, oversized patch of white occupies a prominent position in the industrial hall, reminiscent of an island overlooked or forgotten. Lines that traverse the surface are formed of hybrids of word and image. The process of questioning and narrating, of creating, unfolds repeatedly in the industrial space, occasionally changing direction and perspective, keeping audience on their toes. An invisible hand (re-)writes prose, AI generated Haikus and questions, partly based on philosophers Hannah Arendt’s concept of ‘Natality’ and Edouard Glissant’s theory of ‘Opacity’. The subversively poetic, conceptual video projection shows a combination of digitally generated charcoal and chalk lines, mimicking the patina and relief of the industrial floor, and watercolor swipes, repeatedly blurring words and outpouring whites and blues across the almost 5 meter long projection. A blue hybrid violet waits trembling in the wind; a symbol of patience and humility, later frozen in a watercolor milk-like liquid, after handwritten words slowly emerge, surrounding the flower, narrating moments of rupture and new beginnings. The presence of lights on the surface of vivid waters can be observed almost swaying the industrial floor. Fragments from the past, present and future are written and drawn across the concrete floor covered in past metal dust. Digital space and manifest space, artificial intelligence and human minds connect. Every few minutes a spheric or atmospheric sound fills the great hall. The recipients are confronted with meditative images and narratives that challenge their fears and desires.
Site specific work created for EMPTY SPACES IV initiated and curated by Mara Sporn.
Photo: Kai Schmidt & Lia Sáile
Sponsors
Böhler Areal, Böckler Immobilien, Tranzept
Team
Tech support — Adriana Lemus, Drew Hamley, Richard Bevan, Hauke, Benny and Lion
Special thanks to Mara Sporn & Miriam Hausner.
