(IN)VISIBLE DIFFERENCES
An exploration of alternative perceptions when visible differences are actually invisible
Installation by Semra Sevin
Opening on Friday, October 14 from 6:00 p.m.
(In)visible Differences is an exploration of alternative perceptions when visible differences are actually invisible. Semra Sevin’s inclusive exhibition opens during the Week of Sight, which can be experienced through all the senses, by blind, visually impaired, as well as sighted people.
For (In)visible Differences, Sevin invited blind and visually impaired people from several continents to interview her online about perceptions of the “other” and share their observations on people and society. The interviews are both accessible online and can be heard accompanying some of the artworks, or accessed via QR code on the wall.
Interview participants were asked to submit a digital portrait. Parameters of the portraits such as dpi, color codes, and size were fed into a 3D program, resulting in non-figurative objects. These haptic objects were both recreated by hand and 3D printed. Three large centerpieces produce sound when touched. In addition, the sculptures appeal to the olfactory senses. Each object is accompanied by a favorite scent of the person it represents. In addition, visitors have the opportunity to create sound by touching each other at a sound station set up for this purpose. Thus, the visitor can interactively experience tactile, audible, olfactory abstract portraits. Mirror foils on the walls transport the sighted viewer into a visually abstract world. The visually impaired are guided through the exhibition by floor markings and information in Braille.
With her work, artist Sevin aims to raise a question that is important to her: “What can we learn from the visually impaired to develop a new, avant-garde way of perceiving the world that is inclusive?” The exhibition offers an opportunity to experience people with visual impairments in an emancipated context.
Ulrich Krauss has used what the blind have to say about food (in public) to develop a menu that responds to their needs and preferences, or defies visual experience and communicates more through scent and taste. The bookable dinners are each accompanied by a visually impaired person.
Semra Sevin is a German interdisciplinary artist known for her photographic series of works and multimedia installations. In terms of content, her work can be characterized by an exploration of issues of diversity and inclusion. Her concern is to challenge a one-dimensional view of the world in order to reveal the multi-layered nature of truth and identity. Formally, she uses materials such as mirrors, foils, glass acrylic and now sound, stone and metal to do so.
Interview with Semra Sevin and Ulrich Krauss in culturala
Sponsors:
Eyewear: Pro Retina
3D Printing Consultancy: 3D Petrol Print and 2 for 1