ALERT 4 « sols et sous-sols »
12–18 October 2024, 17:00–22:00
VEWA, Dudelange, Dkollektiv.org
Site-specific installation
‘Tiramol’ 2024
Ceramic, Steel construction, Video 16 min
The site-specific installation, entitled “Tiramol,” examines the interconnectivity between spatial elements, materials, and human narratives. The installation employs a distinctive patina, crafted from iron-rich clay sourced from the Minette region, to forge a symbiotic bond between metal and ceramic. This alliance mirrors the intricate interplay between local history, materials, and their respective environments. The installation is site-specific, underscoring the significance of the venue where it is displayed. Additionally, the video installation offers insights into the creative process behind the installation itself.
The installation Tiramol employs the use of local Minette clay from Luxembourg, which is processed by the artist herself, to examine the nexus of migration, labour, and industrial history. This ceramic work draws inspiration from the experiences of Italian and Belgian workers who were brought to Luxembourg during the country’s industrialisation in the early 20th century. In the face of the challenges of a new home and harsh working conditions, these workers left behind a legacy that is reflected in the object and material of Tiramol. The installation features ceramic forms that evoke the rags or worn clothing of these workers, suspended on a metal bar, which serves as a historical reference to the industrial workplace. This visual metaphor represents the fragmented identity of migrant labourers, who were reduced to their working bodies and whose identities and experiences were obscured by the commodification of labour. The utilisation of clay enables an investigation into the interrelationship between natural resources, industry and the formation of cultural narratives, whilst simultaneously addressing the enduring consequences of industrialisation, exploitation and displacement.
The work engages with the broader themes of sustainability and ecological change, drawing attention to the role of natural materials and the environment as witnesses to these shifts. By presenting Tiramol, I encourage reflection on the socio-economic conditions that engender and perpetuate marginalisation, while examining how these histories continue to inform our present understanding of identity, labour and belonging in a capitalist society. The installation thus aims to engender a critical discourse concerning the resilience, solidarity and accountability required to address the systemic inequalities that impact both individuals and communities.
Photo: Sophia Jürgens
ALERT 4 exhibition, d’Lëtzebuerger Land.