Today Westdeutsche Zeitung published a newspaper article about Gudrun Teich’s and my video installation „LoveLy ConFashion“.

During a 40-minute projection, 200 love letters I collected around the globe scroll at reading speed. They are written to “sweetie-pies” and “honey bees” in all kind of languages, from Japanese, Chinese, and German to English, Dutch, Portuguese, and Korean. They are poems, drawings, and pasted letters that consist of passion, sadness, fun, or shyness – a touching kaleidoscope of burning hearts whose content tells us about our interaction with others. The oldest letter is dated 1945, the youngest was written 2013.

One of the video loops shows various people of different ages and nationalities saying “I love you” in their mother tongue. Couples tell stories about how they met, and why they love each other.

Another loop shows the mass-production of wedding dresses in China, and the gowns as they are later displayed in shop windows in Europe. The loop shows Chinese wedding couples as well as wedding fairs in Paris - the industry around wedding dresses, and people’s longing for a happy ending. The installation’s floor is covered with rose paddles.

The project shows the desire for love and passion worldwide, no matter what cultural, social or religious background people have.

The installation was exhibited at the Organhaus in Chongqing, China, at DCKD Schloss Elbroich in Düsseldorf, and at Kunstverein Aalen.

Thanks to Florian Sawatzki for the interview.