HIER WOHNTE (2014)
Public space documentation/performance and installation
Metamorphosis/Kurfürstendamm
“Hier wohnte” means “Here lived” in German. The work engages in a dialogue with the Stolpersteine, the commemorative brass plaques installed in the pavements, for those deported and killed during the Nazi era. These plaques, work of German artist Gunter Demnig, are situated in front of the last freely chosen place of residence of the people commemorated. The installation follows the structure of a manhole cover located in the area of Kurfürstendamm and carries the names of the commemorated on the surface of the work in a way that reflects their location on the map of the Kurfürstendamm area. It is comprised of thirty six individual pieces of paper embossed on a Heidelberg 25X35 vertical press. Eleven of them bear drawings executed with powdered pigment in black, the medium alluding to historical memory’s impending deletion.
The traces/documentation samples of the Stolpersteine interpreted in the installation were drawn during a four hour public space documentation/performance in the area of Kurfürstendamm.
"Hier wohnte" is part of the Metamorphosis/Kurfürstendamm body of work and the project Metamorphosis. The installation was presented as part of the group show "Lost Space", João Cocteau Gallery, Berlin, on March 2014. For photographs of the exhibition please refer here.
Hier wohnte, installation, detail, 108 cm x 136 cm, paper, powdered pigment, 2014
Photography: Rebecca Culverhouse
Click on the images for full view
Hier wohnte
Installation
108 cm x 136 cm
Powdered pigment, paper
2014
Installation
108 cm x 136 cm
Powdered pigment, paper
2014
THE VIDEO
The video Metamorphosis/Kurfürstendamm (04:34 min), illustrates the process behind the work.
The video Metamorphosis/Kurfürstendamm (04:34 min), illustrates the process behind the work.
Video: Rebecca Culverhouse
SOURCE MATERIAL / TRACES
Below is material from the documentation that took place during the first part of the work's process. The traces/rubbings were produced with the method of frottage, a non-intermediated way of capturing the object's texture on paper. The final work interprets the form/structure and textual elements of the Stolpersteine collected with the traces.
Below is material from the documentation that took place during the first part of the work's process. The traces/rubbings were produced with the method of frottage, a non-intermediated way of capturing the object's texture on paper. The final work interprets the form/structure and textual elements of the Stolpersteine collected with the traces.
Metamorphosis/Kurfürstendamm documentary (04:33 min), film still. Directed by Rebecca Culverhouse
Footage/camera: Rebecca Culverhouse
Click on the images for full view and description