Called in at Leipzig’s Museum of the Printed Arts, which houses a huge collection of presses, as well as wooden and metal typefaces. The collection is vast, and what makes this museum really exciting is that the the ‘exhibits’ are used reagularly for workshops, and artisic experimentation. During my visit I stumbled on what looked like a group of art students learning to print, as well as smaller discussion group upstairs.
We started and finished work late. Locals called in, I love the informality. Germany hasn’t been affected by the health and safety cult, in the same way we have in the U.K, which makes participatory work so much easier. I can’t imagine handing a stranger a can of hot wax in England, without compiling piles of forms first. Waxy dreams.
A few passers by called in today and we are now confident enough in the making process to incorporate them. I am communicating mostly in sign language, which seems to work ok, and means the focus is on the wax printing rather than on small talk. Our shop neighbour sold us a gas torch to help melt out of the huge industrial cannisters, though the sun has been helpful too.
In the evening I cycled down to the lake which sits next to Grünau on the western edge of Leipzig. Starting to feel the flatness of the city. Had an itch to climb up a hill, something we have many of in Bristol, but Leipzig is as flat as Berlin. Good for cycling, but not for finding new perspectives.
More wax printing, learning as we go what the best temperature at which to pour is, and when to slice through wax shapes that cross over too panels.
Later called in at Spinnerei, once the continents largest cotton mill, the site has become a workspace for over 120 artist. There are twelve Galleries in total including Halle 14 (pictured), currently showing work exploring the ‘frenzied standstill’ of our busy lives. Really amazing space.
Getting more of a feel for Grünau now I am on a bicycle, thanks to Paul.
Spent the day at our allocated workspace – an empty shop – working along side Folke. We are making a wax mural, on plywood boards which will mirror the panels of the surrounding buildings. The wax will melt in the sun, creating unexpected designs.
The design was arrived at following a three participatory workshops with local residents. The design was heavily influenced by a Syrian woman, who has recently moved to Grünau, along with other refugees. The aim over the next couple of days is to devise a system to make it as easy as possible for others to be involved in the creation.
First, a visit to the centre of Leipzig, where impressive medieval buildings sit side by side with their modern neighbours.
Then, an afternoon spent at D21 helping prepare the exhibition space, where five artists will show work as part of RASTER : BETON.
