VOLCANO - فولكانو




BERLIN, GERMANY / 2023
MWerk 14 Lichtenberg

Exhibition
Recycling
Heritage



LINK TO PHOTO SERIES ︎
LINK TO PHOTO SERIES ︎



Mwerk, dubbed "Vulkan," stands as a repurposed factory space dedicated to fostering artistic expression across a spectrum of mediums (from theater and music to film and photography, as showcased in this instance). In collaboration with them, I curated an exhibition featuring two of my series exploring the cultural and religious heritage of immigrant children residing in Berlin.

Our collaboration came with a singular stipulation: everything utilized had to be rescued from the streets of Berlin, from frames to carpets, from lights to furniture. This directive presented a captivating challenge, fostering a dynamic exchange with the audience through impromptu speeches and lively discussions. Yet, the true test lay in sourcing and revitalizing these objects, breathing new life into discarded materials, and transforming the remnants of the past into vessels of new identity. All in all, a practice consistent with the question of transmission (as for teh series).


This photographic series serves as a poignant exploration of the enduring consequences of colonization. It unveils a generation caught between the rich stories and cultural heritage passed down by their ancestors and the harsh reality of a society where their presence is inadequately represented.

Set against the backdrop of Berlin in the summer of 2023, it captures the experiences of children adopted by white families, mestizos navigating the uncertainty of identity, and individuals whose skin tone places them in a liminal space, lacking a clear label as "people of color."

The air of time, the current of things—it's an intricate tapestry woven by history, a blending of spices and colors that has created a spectrum unsure of its footing. Faced with this challenge, what do they do? They respond by forging their own culture, crafting unique codes, and developing languages that resonate with their experiences. From braids adorning curly hair to dresses fashioned from the fabrics passed down by their grandparents, this generation adeptly adapts, arming itself with a "bastard" heritage that defiantly defies the constraints of a binary world.

In the zeitgeist of Berlin, rebellious mestizos emerge as catalysts of change, pollinating the streets with symbols and colors that proudly represent the diverse cultures they've grown up with. Their flag becomes a vibrant emblem, showcasing the loincloths and hues that symbolize the multiplicity of influences shaping their individual and collective narratives.
                    



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