Berlin//Myth as Present
Kai-Olaf Hesse (dt./engl.)
This workshop is a city-reading exercise. Berlin possesses meaning, but can one identify that meaning within the urban hustle and bustle beyond the well-known cliches? What kind of relevance and which form of one's own affectivity, which own proportion towards the seen of buildings, imitations, surfaces and memories evokes the city of Berlin within ourselves?
The symbolic spectrum of the new Berlin extends from a meaningful synthesis of idealized preservation to concealed pseudo-historicism – a contemporary interpretation of the term facade. However, this fictive image world constitutes realities that at times reveal its won hidden histories – the "Stage Berlin" still lures with the nimbus of departure in the ether.
Was the veiling(!) of the Reichstag just a dress rehearsal? Before revealing the imagery to represent the new city and Republic? The "new architecture" becoming an image surface, whose contents (shall) remain obscured?
Photographs can attempt to explore and reflect upon this meaning especially in regard to symbols and areas of a city, whose historical meaning and memorizing connotations appear to be fixed. Perhaps, the scrutinizing gaze of photography can offer a new critical perspective.
This workshop does not aim to create a factual city portrait, nor a narrative story. Moreover, we are looking for images, which capture a visual "gut feeling" of the White Noise and the bustling experiences of the city. Thereby, enabling us to depict, describe, articulate and discuss the contingencies of the fluxing urbanity.
Following an introduction to the imagery of Berlin, Kai-Olaf Hesse will guide participants through the city. The participants will then work individually on their own projects. Within the intimate and intensive working atmosphere of a small group, the core of the workshop will be the daily group meeting to critically edit and discuss the images. The focus being the development of an individual visual language.
This workshop will be held in a small group of 8 to 15 participants. Each participant will define their own individual project supported through group discussions and critical input as the work progresses.
All interested applicants should apply by email before April 15, 2009. Please attach 5 to 10 examples of your own work and/or a link to your personal website. You should also attach a short statement about your photographic skills and motivation.
Seminar Structure
- Small group, max. 15 participants
- Lecture on the photographic practice and positions in relation to Berlin
- Developing topics for individual projects
- Participants work independently on their own projects
- Group discussions, critical input and feedback on each participants work
Time
8 Days / Saturday–Saturday June 20 to 27, 2009, 11am to 7pm
Fees
760,- € incl. 19% VAT,
(per day and participant 95,- €)