Solo exhibition at Färgfabriken Architecture TriennALE
October 2024
PUBLIC RETREAT - on fire. A sonic investigation of burning questions about the future of our city.
On July 31, 2021, the shut down carbonic acid factory in Lövholmen, Stockholm, began to burn. As with the stock exchange in Copenhagen and Notre Dame in Paris, questions arise: What happens now? And who gets to decide?
Using alternative narratives and imaginary planning proposals, both realistic and absurd, we strive to negotiate about public space. To identify arguments within the larger topic of city development.
Based on the project NYA LÖVHOLMEN - an artistic study of the redevelopment of the former industrial area in Stockholm, as well as an artistic citizen proposal, PUBLIC RETREAT has been invited to partake in the new Architecture Triennale at Färgfabriken - suitably located in the middle of this developing area.
In a site-specific sound installation centered around the exhibition space's view of the burnt carbonic acid factory, we aim to explore fire as a possible catalyst for change.
What political, aesthetic, philosophical, metaphorical, architectural, historical and natural changes does it pave way for?
A spatial installation invites the audience to reconsider the plot outside the windows – enveloped in stories, facts, field recordings and conceptions. During the exhibition, performative gestures and live radio broadcasts will activate the installation, the construction site and the surrounding area.
By testing new ways of making the bureaucratic planning processes tangible, we hope to stimulate discussions and thoughts about people's space and place – their home and city. Maybe the city can be different - better?
Sound installation, 6 channels, 26:01 min loop
Video and animation 26:01 min loop
8 alder tree stumps, textiles, lighting, (artificial) bonfire
Hot-dip galvanized industrial metal stairs
Photo: Maya Nagano Holm
Photo: Maya Nagano Holm
Photo: Maya Nagano Holm
Photo: Maya Nagano Holm
Performative reading of theatre piece during live radio broadcast
Photo: Anna-Karin Wulgué
Nicole Cecilie Bitsch Pedersen reading during live radio broadcast
Photo: PUBLIC RETREAT
Stills from video of performance
A structure, a spatial installation, was built using bricks from the burnt down carbonic acid factory on the non-accessible plot. The structure was visible from the exhibition space’s window, once the visitor had climbed the metal stairs.
By connecting the exhibition space with the plot outside, both visually and aurally, the visitor was immersed into the story of the burnt-down building.
The structure became the stage an scenography for a listening event where the public was invited to join and listen to a monologue from a flame, learn about the history of the site, talk politics as well as perform a sonic ritual in two parts. Collectivley we discussed and reflected upon fires, cities, futures and pasts.
A performative act of taking apart and dismantling the structure was made.
Performance of dismantling, video 51:04 min