Grip on boudaries, Aletheia fest, 2021

I took part in the interdisciplinary art festival, Aletheia Fest, in August 2021. My installation “Discussion at the water’s edge” was displayed there in a new environment. I also had a new speech performance.

The performance is about my visit to the island of animals, the zoo. The zoo was built to house animals, but primarily it was built for people. The performance is based on a story I wrote on site, on the island, watching the animals, observing people for example on guided tours and the visiting seagulls. I stayed in the zoo after closing. I had also wanted to feel the atmosphere of the island when the people had gone, but my request to stay overnight was denied.

A zoo is a peculiar place; partly nature, partly human constructed. Many animals are there because of some protection program but at the same time for people to look at. Visitors come to admire the animals’ tamed wilderness but also to listen about endangered species, different inhabitats and the importance of nature conservation. I tried to put into words my human feelings when encountering the animals.