ARTWORK

DRIFT
Material: 119 Silk threads, red
Light: Line Laser, Class 2, 635nm (red), 4×1,5 V

Seemingly fluent and slowly floating red lines appear in the dark space of an old weaving workshop. A subtle and thinly visible cascade of 119 silk threads in the projection of red laser light interplays with the wind blowing into the building. Relating to each change of wind environment outside of the workshop, the drifting curtain manifests itself and in the next moment disappears hurriedly in the deepness of space. Take a photo, if you want catch the game of red lines! Then, at this moment you will find a true story about the forgotten place, lost tradition, dusted machines, and unopened mails. In one of the oldest existing weaving workshops in Djerba, I reflect on the history of the old tradition of weaving under environmental aspects of modern time. Being for many years closed, I tried to re-organize the point of view on forgotten places and their lost tradition and tried to recall the rich potential of such places in the whole country. The development of the Artwork was of an explorative nature. I found fascinating stories about the island and the people living here. Each story is for me always a process and like a growing story in reality I like to implement such uncontrollable elements as the wind into my works. From this moment on the artwork starts to live its own life.

SITE

Weaving Workshop, named “Hanout Laaouina” Houmt Souk, Djerba.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

Light is the biggest mystery I met in my life. So elementary and at the same time so hard to catch. What is it, a phenomenon of light? I try to find a wide understanding of Light as a term and vision, it’s relation to life and human being. Reflecting on the complexity of light I try to express its simplicity in my artworks.

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

2017 | Hildesheim [de] | LICHTCAMPUS
2017 | Helsinki (fi) | LUX HELSINKI
2016 | Frankfurt (de) | LUMINALE
2015 | Tunis (tn) | FLUX
2015 | Hamburg (de) | LICHTCAMPUS
2015 | Hildesheim (de) | LICHTUNGEN

DEVELOPMENT

Since 2016 | Artist and Lighting Designer
2016 | Hildesheim (de) | University of Applied Art and Science (HAWK), MA Lighting Design
2010 | Braunschweig (de) | University of the Art, BA Communication Design

ARTIST’S FEEDBACK

As I was asked by Bettina Pelz and Aymen Gharbi to participate in SEE DJERBA project and to create a new work for public space in Djerba, I was excited to have a chance to work in such a multi-layered format. The aim was not only to create a new site-specific Artwork, it was a great opportunity to work with and in context-based environments, such as the cultural and historical heritage of the island or thru our cross-cultural and international group. Within one week and for the first time in Djerba, I had a chance to explore its deeper vision and to light on its spirit, which you may hardly discover with such intensity as an outstanding person. From the first moment on, I felt welcome and belonging to the place, and SEE DJERBA Team and the other artists. Our talk-rounds and discussions on the main topic helped me to reflect on my own practice and explore new ways to understand the subject of light in a wider sense. It was an intensive and inspiring time to look on the island from different shapes. I will never forget its friendly atmosphere by the local community, unique nature, and, especially the colors of the Djerbian sun. I could learn a lot from Djerbian’s rich culture and I liked our open dialog. I think the success of the project has been not made only by good results, but by integrating transcultural processes as well. I think SEE Djerba was a good format for growing up for new processes in the local environment and needs to be sustained for the future development of the island.

PHOTOS

Constanze Flamme, Brahim Gueddich, Liubov Moskvina, Sam Saidiani