Writer, artist and hiv-activist
After several exhibitions I had always been at a loss of words on how and what to describe my intentions and ambitions to be. Finally! After lots of thinking, re-thinking, scribbling and pondering, the wonderful Danja Burchard helped me write and finalise my artist statement.
For World Aids Day 2019 I took my exhibition "Going Viral" to beautiful Monheim am Rhein, Germany. Sharing my thoughts and pictures from this show, I am continuously amazed at how much can happen in such little time. Enjoy the little gallery!
Zum Welt-Aids-Tag 2019 werfen wir gemeinsam mit dem Künstler Philipp Spiegel einen sehr individuellen Blick auf den Themenbereich HIV und Heterosexualität. Gemäß dem Untertitel des Aktionsmottos 2019 „Streich die Vorurteile“ versucht der Künstler mit seinen Werken, den Vorurteilen seiner Umwelt auf mehreren Ebenen zu begegnen. Denn über die grundsätzliche Überprüfung der eigenen Denk- und Verhaltensweisen gegenüber HIV-Positiven hinaus muss wieder mehr Bewusstsein dafür geschaffen werden, dass HIV nicht nur homosexuelle Menschen (be-)trifft.
Going Viral is the name of the first exhibition cycle after my diagnosis. It reflects the initial emotional challenges spanning over two years. By using abstracted photography I try to engage the viewer in showing what an HIV infection feels like. What goes on in the mind, the body and on an emotional level – [...]
Little did I know, that a trip to Nepal would foreshadow a close encounter with HIV years before my infection...
My mind was plunged into chaos - questioning everything. Every decision, every choice I had to make overwhelmed me. When working on portraits or on fashion shoots, I failed to direct. I couldn’t helm the situation. I couldn’t instruct people. My mind was in a frenzied mess – which was reflected in my lack of confidence. I doubted everything – especially my ability to make decisions.
The experience of being present at a gallery opening featuring my work. When I become a face in public, lifting my mask of anonymity - an outing experience.
Coming up in October, one of my diptychs will be shown at the Espacio Gallery in London, UK. Read here for more information!
Images confronting the challenge of an HIV confession, as well as the perception of my approach to women after my diagnosis. What was before? What is after?
Photography documenting the everyday - medication and procedures that accompany an HIV diagnosis. Holy relics of a science based life.
