Places with a Soul, a project involving children and young people from the Catholic parish of St Mary’s and the Maria Ward School in Landau
Places with a Soul, a project involving children and young people from the Catholic Parish of the Assumption and the Maria Ward School, Landau in der Pfalz. About two years ago, I developed the idea of ‘places with a soul’. A project for children and young people, the aim of which is to find a place of their own choosing that is associated with special feelings, happy memories or moments. In short, a place one is always happy to return to, where one can unwind and feel safe and in good hands.
We implemented the project using cameras made from a drinks can, which each child had previously built themselves under our guidance.
The total exposure time is seven days until the photograph is complete. This timeframe was not chosen at random (it is derived from the story of creation, which describes the origin of the world, life and humanity). The image was exposed directly onto a piece of photographic paper that had previously been placed under red light. This was achieved by piercing a tiny hole in the front of the camera using a pin during its construction. This hole serves as a lens, allowing light to pass through and thus creating an image on the photographic paper.
Opened at the start of the exposure time and closed at the end, the hole is covered by a piece of black adhesive tape. This camera represents one of the most rudimentary photographic methods for creating an image.
A project that is deliberately intended to move away from AI and mobile phones. Young people have always been very important to me in my work. Whenever possible and time allows, I enjoy bringing such projects of my own devising to life. The aim is to connect the participants with art through artworks they have created themselves. After all, they are the ones who will be consuming art and getting excited about it the day after tomorrow!
I carried out this project together with the Mannheim-based artist Inessa Siebert, with whom I really enjoy working. Thank you very much, Inessa, for your fantastic commitment.
We have never before undertaken a project of this scale, comprising 14 pictures measuring 1 × 4 metres and 28 pictures measuring 1 × 3.50 metres. It was a real challenge, as some of the artworks had to be suspended 15 metres above the nave.
The exhibition opens on Friday during Landau’s Art Night. Guided tours led by the school pupils and altar servers will take place at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm. I will also be at St Mary’s Church at that time and, like the young people, I am looking forward to welcoming many visitors and having interesting conversations.
A heartfelt thank you to Dean Axel Brecht, who has supported this project with passion and his own initiative. A major donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, who very generously donated 5,000 euros towards the cost of materials, and finally to the entire team at the Parish of the Assumption, led by Arthur Kessler, as well as the parents of the children and pupils.
