Zwischen Funken is the result of an artistic research enquiring into the Allgäu custom of the “Funkenfeuer” (engl. “spark fire”), a fire to cast out the winter towards the end of the season. The regional custom highlight is the burning of the “Funkenhexe” (engl. “spark witch”) that is placed on top of the huge erect wood pile.
The footage for Zwischen Funken originate from a Funkenfeuer in a local village and were projected on three fragmented “Funken” wood piles. A incense ceremony with local herbs and resins provided a sensual component as well as an attempt to recall and assuage the individual and historical trauma of the witch hunt. The occasion of the “KunstNacht” that attracts many local people fron various background and the city of Kempten, where Germany’s last witch was death-sentenced provided the perfect setting for my installation.
Zwischen Funken was commissioned for the KunstNacht Kempten 2022 and fully funded with a grant by the Kulturamt Kempten.
director, camera, editor: Annika Gutsche
sound: Johannes Rasch
sound design: David Loscher
smoke ritual: Martina Eichmann
photo: Katja Zschau