Some words
3:28; 2015
Filmed in Melbourne
This short video shows the translation of words like imagination, phantasy and dream into sign language. I was interested in the relationship between a text and its performed interpretation.
Torros embolados
4:25; 2014
Filmed in Spain 2012
During 2012 I recorded by film and still photography the festival of toro embolado. This unusual festival involving live bulls occurs in a small village in rural Catalunya.
I am interested in the different historical and modern views on Spanish culture and traditions with a particular emphasis on festivals involving bulls; the art, technique and styles of bullfighting and the ethical issues surrounding the harm and killing of animals for public spectacle.
Prayers http://www.youtube.com/BeliefandCulture
7:25; 2011
Filmed in Australia 2011
The video shows an aged woman’s hands saying prayers with rosary beads. The sound and repetition of words form a rhythmic, almost meditative whisper that continues endlessly, reassuring the connection between God and the believer.
The Day of the Dead http://youtu.be/VoAIb2m6ek0
17:08 min; 2011
Filmed in Mexico 2010
(available with German and English subtitles)
The Day of the Dead, a festival celebrating the return of the dead in Mexico, was filmed in small communities around Oaxaca. Interviews with locals of various ages reveal surprising stories about personal beliefs and emotions including a story about a returning deceased loved one seen by his relatives. We get seduced by richly decorated graves, large sand altars, and street paintings that adorn public spaces. A vibrant procession to the cemetery gates welcomes the dead at their point of arrival. The night from dusk until dawn is spent sharing drinks, music and stories with the dead, and brings us an intimate insight into the cultural beliefs and traditions of the Mexican people.
Santa Marta http://youtu.be/N7VT_HEmL40
16:03 min; 2011
Filmed in Spain 2010
(available with German and English subtitles)
Santa Marta de Ribarteme (Spain) is a film about the beliefs and rituals of people living in small villages in the South of Spain. Interviews with locals give an insight of their way of life and belief, in particular in that of Santa Marta, the saint for resurrection. A festival is prepared for Santa Marta where people die a symbolical death to save the life of a loved one who is gravely ill. In a dramatic procession at the height of summer, we see a woman carried alive in an open coffin by her relatives, and people punishing themselves by ‘walking’ on their knees as a sacrifice to plea to Santa Marta for healing. We hear unsettling stories about how to prevent miscarriages, and Santa Martas’ powers to heal as well as othersuperstitious beliefs that the local priests are unable to overcome.
Both films, ‘Santa Marta’ and ‘The Day of the Dead’ communicate rituals addressing experiences with death and loss.
Whispers in Time http://youtu.be/s_Ua1Zl1Xkk
5:06 min; 2011
Filmed in Australia
The video shows two landscapes that are juxtaposed to play with the viewer’s perception. While the fog moves across the forest it reveals different trees, changing the proportion and perspective of the landscape. The mesmerizing footage refers to passing time and events in life that appear to be important at present but less so when they have passed.
installation view, Museum DKM, Duisburg Germany 2011
Uncertainty http://youtu.be/PwoeWDlUXa0
11:05 min; 2005
Filmed in Spain, Galicia 2005
Peppered with shipwrecks, the Costa da Morte (Coast of Death) is a very rough area of Galicias atlantic coast known as Fisterra in the Galician language. The local name originates from the pre-Roman legend which told that this area was the end of the world (Finis-terrae). Along the coast here , giant pedras de abala ("oscillating stones") marked sacred locations and were used in various rituals by the Celtics. The wind here is still believed to create wild nightmares.
Capturing the slow movement of fog together with the rhythmic sound of the waves, Uncertainty is symbolic of the history of this place that still has a big bearing on beliefs of the local people today.
Interview with Claudia Terstappen http://www.youtube.com/BeliefandCulture
8:57 min, 2005
This short interview gives an insight to the concepts and working methods of the artist.
Places of Worship – Japan http://youtu.be/4L7y5U2DsAU
4:20 min; 2005
filmed in Kyoto 2004
Filmed in Kyoto, this video focuses on places and rituals of significance that are important to Japanese culture and beliefs. We are confronted with crass differences between juxtaposed busy cities and historical sites; and Pachinko halls and shrines.
10 seconds a day http://youtu.be/dJvBLi-2kS0
22:01 min; 2002 – 2004
Filmed in Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory/Australia
Filmed in Kakadu National Park (Northern Territory, Australia) over a period of 9 months, this film captures the changes in the natural environment between the two seasons; the Dry, and the Wet.
The video makes important links between the Australian fauna and flora and Aboriginal beliefs.
