Kunsthalle Basel
„6 Künstler aus Basel x2“ – 27 November 2011 – 1 January 2012
GOOD GRIEF – IT’S STILL ME
When I look back to my exhibition in 1981, it stirs up a lot of feelings and memories. It was an important exhibition for me; a time of new beginnings and a great deal of enthusiasm. And it proved to be wonderful motivation for continuing with my work.
My circumstances changed drastically in the years that followed. I’ve been living in Guatemala since 1984 now, and have experienced many transformations in both my surroundings and my work.
When I selected the pictures for the 2011 exhibition, I wanted to show a broad spectrum. Seen individually, the pictures function independently, and yet they all relate to one another when collated in an exhibition context. These pieces were created against the backdrop of my attempt to engage with my living situation in Guatemala, which was full of conflict, present not just in the intensely colourful, lush vegetation and the fascination of encountering a different culture, but also in the threat from natural catastrophes, the pollution of the environment and the conflicts triggered by the challenges in society.
In the rainy season, a snake strays into my bedroom. After I set it free, we each go our own way. It’s the same with my pictures; they go on to have a life of their own.
Good grief, it’s still me.