At the heart of the project „Gisela Waskow“ is the story of a young girl who was expelled from her home in Stolp, Pomerania (now Poland), at the end of World War II. This narrative is based on a letter she left to her descendants decades later.
The project highlights the absurdity and brutality of war and displacement, as well as the universal human losses they entail. It serves as a reminder that the innocent often pay the highest price. The historical responsibility of the German Reich for the outbreak of World War II and the crimes of National Socialism is fully acknowledged. This project does not seek to relativize or obscure the perpetrator role of the German Reich.
The aim of the project is not only to shed light on the specific experiences of this child but also to convey a universal message: war and violence destroy lives, regardless of origin or nationality.
Gisela Waskow
A visual installation exploring themes of home and displacement.
in collaboration with
Emily Tenchio
Henrike Ansorge
supervised by
Erik Kundt
Year
2024/25
Task
Design a projection mapping installation using various digital tools, suitable for exhibitions.
Objective
The project aims to shed light on the absurdity and cruelty of war, emphasizing universal human losses while respecting the historical context and responsibilities of the German Reich. It seeks to create a meaningful experience that highlights both the personal narrative and a broader anti-war message.
Execution
The installation utilized a black suitcase filled with water as the projection base, with symbolic visuals and text displayed through MadMapper software. A carefully curated combination of visual and audio elements brought the narrative to life, addressing technical challenges such as projection clarity and synchronization to achieve an immersive experience.