Tuesday, April 26, 2011

In Remembrance/ Im Gedenken



 Sometimes worldwide news hits close to home. Issues such as Fukushima strike my awareness and activism of global issues, but as of now I can only sympathize with the victims of the unfathomable destruction. Although engagement naturally occurs by witnessing the pain of others, there remains an inevitable distance since we are simply spectators of these hardships. Remembering the ideas of Susan Sontag, in her book: Regarding the Pain of Others, I have been reminded that an overexposure to images of traumatic events is an informational phenomenon and a possible danger in our increasing global world. However, ab und zu the news meant for masses touches our personal experience.

On Wednesday April 20, 2011 Tim Hetherington, world-renown photojournalist, was killed on the frontlines of Misrata, Libya. His active presence on war-torn frontlines placed him under constant threat.  However he continually pressed on to produce stunning work. You might have heard his name from his production of the 2007 Sundance winning film Restrepo, or perhaps from his World Press Photo nominations and awards. If you are unfamiliar with his work, please take a moment to breath in the moments his photography captures (http://www.timhetherington.com/). I came to know his work through my undergraduate research thesis. His series- Sleeping Soliders changed my view about documentation of the current war.  Hetherington's frontline photography had an ability to portray fascination while simultaneously terrifying moments. Viewing his work at the World Press Photo show was the catalyst for my thesis topic; his images stimulated my involvement and consciousness about our drawn-out, disregarded military presence in the Middle East.




It is rare that artwork moves us, challenges our state of thinking to develop and search for greater awareness. I began researching other current photographers who were making photo documentary efforts to accurately demonstrate the toll of this war on soldiers, and through images show the war in a more personal light- by displaying the portraits of the men and women in our armed forces. Amongst all of the photographers I spoke with- An My Le, Ellen Susan, and Tim Hetherington, I felt their deep seeded interest in working with the realities of war. Like Robert Capa (photojournalist who died in the First Indochina War), Tim Hetherington will be remembered as a landmark journalist of his time. His camera eye was unbelievably poetic, catching also the daily sides of life and interaction amidst chaotic worlds. Upon meeting him in New York, his good nature was immediately apparent. We spoke very honestly about the role of photojournalism and its involvement in the public’s perception of the war, and he was very receptive to all of my questions. After a personal encounter, and admiration of his work, I am truly saddened by his passing. On the day he died, the world lost an incredible perception through this incredible man’s eyes. 

To honor a man who committed his life to his works passion, I would like to reflect on my own passions and furthered journey towards finding important life work. Art has always been a passion of mine, and I have used this outlet to express many concepts, as well as to challenge and inspire others to reflect about certain issues. For the past few weeks my spare time has been filled with finishing a body of work that will soon be displayed in Gießen. The show: I Carry Mit Mir, is a collection of portraits from my beloveds, both new friends in Germany and family/friends in the states. It is a fluid Gesamtkunstwerk that is meant to show how we are inevitably influenced by relationships- both between other people and places. I’ll post more pictures after the opening, but if you can be there in person it will be quite the blast! And I’ll be performing with a French friend of mine… wow, the first time since Whirligigs!

Making art on the rooftops of Gießen
My Kunst AG after we just assessed value of legal (gallery) and illegal (street) art

Importantly though, I have been graced with realizing the power art, and how it can change a community. Even in my very small art club (Arbeitsgemeinschaft) that I formed at the Ohmtalschule, a weekly time investment yields an incredible connection with these students and their creative potential. A few weeks ago my colleague Holger and I took them on a day trip to Frankfurt to visit two different museums- MMK and Shirn (great contemporary museums). The attention was focused on art the entire day; from my instructions to sketch strangers in the train, to museum tours and workshops, to creating our own Happening (flash mob- improvisation game called the Machine). It was such a memorable, magnificent day! This was an indication too that art needs to somehow be involved in my lifelong work!

Whether it is our life’s passions or simply our day-to-day job, I believe work always should come second to family and our closest relationships. That is why, no matter what other job offers I had for this year, I realize this move to Germany was vital because I am becoming close with the side of my family that I wanted to know better. Last weekend I became the Godmother of my only nephew- Jan. It was a blessing to have this nine-year-old ask me to be his Taufpatin, and then to take on this role as an important go-to adult in his life. It is a real honor and responsibility to be a role model, but the best part is to remain honest, patient, and good-hearted.

This post, in dedication to Tim Hetherington, is written with thoughts of a man who was a role model for journalists and artists, for persons with convicted spirits, who work for what they believe is right, and what needs to be addressed.


My French brother Alex also spent the week with me in Gießen! 
All three- Jule, Stine and Jan were baptised at the same time,
so it was a grand event.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Wunder des Winters/Wonders of Winter.... long overdue

As you probably have noticed by now, the less I write, the busier I am. The months of February and March whizzed by making the short winter days filled trotzdem (nevertheless) with joy. Finally I am sitting down, in my newly reorganized room (spring cleaning rocks), with sunlight streaming in the direction of my desk- my computer whispering... 'Kyra, you need to sit your tush down, reflect, and write.' If my computer could talk I also think he would be agitated how much I use him without much thought. His energy-life source is slowly petering on me as he is a constant connection to my work and communication with loved ones. 

His memory is currently full with saved projects and new ideas, as I am furiously writing, especially for two reasons. First, is a fantastic new project, in which I am translating a website for antique tiled-stoves. Sounds a little off the beaten path, but that's exactly why I'm entralled combining my art history affection with language! It is truly wonderful to be a nerd; especially when it comes to identifying styles amongst this the largest stove collection in all of Germany. I became involved with this project because my friend/colleague's brother-in-law is the antique collector and owner of this business. He is also a very worldly and cultured man, so I feel especially grateful to be part of this, as well to meet his fascinating connections. I am sure this news will be a part of my future blog writing... so there will be more to come.

Secondly, I am writing applications. Applications for jobs, internships and conferences. Basically I'm putting my feelers out into the world because I see the finish line of this Fulbright year approaching with tremendous speed. My plan as of now: enjoy the rest of this year- going to Istanbul over Easter with Gabe, then to Greece for a week-long Summer School Program about Creating Cultural Leadership. This is the website link if you are interested: http://www.fh-kufstein.ac.at/eng/Events/2nd-Kufstein-Summer-School-2011. I am taking every opportunity at the moment to see where it leads, and I believe that this program in Greece will lead to at least amazing ideas. Basically I am keeping eyes and ears open in both Germany and the States. At this point I know my talents of working with people, communications, teaching, and art education; and I also recognize my passion for international awareness, cultural studies, and education advocacy. My definite plans however have a date: I have a return plane ticket to New York for June 30th. When I return to Germany is just a question of time. 

So, you're probably wondering how I can compact two months of unbelievable experiences into one blog. Well, I can't. The summaries will be mostly based on my travel timeline- first Heidelberg, Köln (Cologne), then Berlin. Berlin deserves it's own though... and you'll read why.
My first impressions of Heidelberg: quaint, isolated, tourist haven, stunning.  I was there at the beginning of February for the Fulbright Formal Winter Ball. Yes, quite the treat! This preserved city gem has a beautiful University and German baroque-style old town center. Of course I visited a massively impressive castle and celtic ruins atop of the surrouding mountains- it's Germany right. This weekend was completely refreshing, from the old-German attractive atmosphere to the protected valley climate, it warmed any residual winter woes that I incured from the Kahlheit (bleakness) of Gießen. Plus, I had the warming welcome of a tremendous Couchsurfing host, James- an American working for the military in Heidelberg. His apartment (conveniently located in the center of the historic district), was only a few blocks from the imaginable tourist sights and also the elegant state building where the ball took place. This weekend was such a great example of how Couchsurfing is an invaluable experience. James actually came to stay surf with me in Gießen last week, and so the circle of good karma continues. The Ball? Can't forget the reason for coming! A memorable evening of dinner, dancing, and enjoyable conversations with German Fulbright recipients and other ETAs. Just what I expected- a good time. 


Now Köln. Whew, if you have knowledge about German traditions and where/how they're celebrated, then when I say Karnival in Köln I bet images come to mind. Cologne is known for the spectacular craziness that are the days before Lent. We didn't make the opening on 11/11/11 at 11:11, but we arrived in Köln on Sunday, and left late the next day on Rosenmontag. My friends- Rick, Ginger, Zoe and Björn- and I were definitely mild on the scale of celebraters; but we definitely had a fun time especially because it was Zoe's birthday on Monday. Costumes were in order as you can tell from the picture below. Rick was a mime, Zoe- well that wig says it all, I was an Indianer *Germans have a strange fascination with Native American stereotypical culture (but I was happy to loan the costume from my flatmate), Ginger a pirate,  and Björn a clown. And were we successful at this parade! Not only Ginger got a lot of booty- arg matey... we all had bags full of candy and flowers. Incredible! This is not even comparable to American parades; here I saw a man bleeding from a giant chocolate bar that hit his face. 


Karnival Umzug (Parade) Booty!
 Naturally these two weekends were quite spectacular, but also in these two months I enjoyed the ease of routine and work at my school. Another wonderful realization is that it is quasi-routinue now to visit my family in Fulda. I was there for my niece's birthday weekend, and thoroughly enjoyed the 12-year-old group of girls that were over to celebrate. What else- exercise along with spring is bouncing back into season. I've started mountain-biking and a fitness-club membership, so my days of that lovely sore muscle feeling is back! Woot! Now that the sun is shining, and it's the weekend I will bid you adue to enjoy these summer-sunlight hours.

Hope your days are filled with brightness! Es geschehen noch Zeichen und Wunder- Wonders will never cease!

Liebe Grüße