The day we each come into the world, we begin a journey of new experiences, observation, repetition, learning and the forming of one’s own mind. Humans are born to an already existing planet with a series of well established systems, rules and social conventions in place. Now they find themselves struggling to adapt. Feeling lost, not represented, “different”, trapped or confused is totally common and essential. These feelings are the starting point for necessary ways of reevaluating. These new perspectives thrive in the little me-time individuals need between the surrounding chaos. These precious gems, moments devoted to ourselves, are pivotal to our own mental health. 

freedom restored

Moreover, they have a knock-on effect on a social scale. A nonconformist message begins to combat the typical FOMO – fear of missing out – of our times. We need to pause and ask, “What do I really need?” Being present with ourselves and personal isolation should no longer be seen as an oddity. A new kind of freedom can stem from these actions; a freedom rooted in day to day life, creating small corners where we can feel a sense of welcome. Brick by brick, thanks to actions previously considered selfish and impolite, freedom is restored. The exhibition cotidianidad freedom demonstrates how, surprisingly, by sharing single choices, minute escapes and acts of daily rebellion, a collective wave moves towards a diverse concept of society. Revolution can be silent and permanent at the same time. 

daily rebellion

The group show proposes a path through the three month residency experienced by the 8 artists. Little adventures, shared time, social gatherings and debates brought each of them to the creation of new languages. This temporary microcosm encouraged them to play with their backgrounds and practices as well as enhance their poetic realms. 

cotidianidad freedom installation views by Julianne Csapo

The residency offers working daily while being immersed in a changed context. This produces a confrontation with another kind of environment, where day to day activities can make a real difference. Even the sound of flies moving throughout the place can become input for seeing things from another perspective. Harmony and playfulness are applied to normally neglected quotidian noises or to the plastic potential of abandoned corners of the city. The visual alphabet that surrounds us while running errands or commuting from one point to another can becomepredominant. Layers of posters designed to communicate  events, or the daily view from a window, find a new interpretation, open to fantasy and unexpected focuses. 

images by PILOTENKUECHE

Repetitive daily gestures could fascinate an artist, thereby becoming an obsession. Painting and erasing is turned into an endless performative act, not immune to precise instructions to stick to. Common household items such as tiles and dishes, conventionally found in convivial settings, transform into a tool to shed light on the stories of people who have left their daily routines and nations. 

by hand

Likewise, millenary traditions and the objects related to them, are capable of adding to the discourse around heritage and everyone’s distinct vision of it. Furthermore, the body we live in daily, maintains the typical strength to develop consciousness and cross boundaries, both metaphorical and geographical. In this way, risky moves are “enacted”, challenging the established laws and putting into practice the desired revolution.

Curator Caterina Fondelli

cotidianidad freedom

Open Sun 18 – Wed 21 June 4-8 PM

PILOTENKUECHE
Franz-Flemming-Str 9
04179 Leipzig

International residents:
Mariana Murta (BE, PT)
Brennan Wojtyla (US)
Casey VanDyke (US)
Bren Sabbagh (AG)
Erin Callahan St John (CA)
Amir Zainorin (MY/DK)

Local participants:
Anna Maria Kursawe (DE)
Michal Fuchs (DE)

Curator:
Caterina Fondelli (IT)