Valerie Reding

In collaboration with Lausanne-based painter David Weishaar and Berlin-based sound artist Lou Drago, the transdisciplinary artist Valerie Reding creates with monsters an oneiric and compelling multi-sensorial space to share the powerful stories of those that have experienced abuse in interpersonal relationships - stories that are so often silenced in our society. Combining photography, painting, sound and text in an immersive multimedia installation, monsters fiercely reclaims the monstrosity that is projected on survivors and those who speak up against abuse (of power) and systems of oppression. This eclectic work is an empowering celebration of the liberating power of one‘s voice, resilience, healing, community, care - and love. It is also a sensitive and thought-provoking reflection on the figure of the monster and the complex interconnections between interpersonal and societal power relations.

Take your time to explore the installation. You can listen to the soundscape created by Lou Drago that invites you into a mirror world, meandering through different moods with inflections of sci-fi surrealism and ultimately holding you in a tender embrace, cocooned in frequencies chosen for their soothing properties. You may meet Aron, Bast, Pauline, Robyn, Salou and Will, portrayed by Valerie Reding as their superhero:ine alter-egos, joyfully celebrating and reclaiming their power as survivors of abuse. You will even be able to listen to their intimate stories with your phone. And finally, you are invited to dive deep into the hypnotizing and monumental painting created by David Weishaar, portraying Aron, Bast, Pauline, Robyn, Salou and Will. The forest is dense and all-enveloping. The sky is hellishly red, radiating. The twilight scene, perhaps “post-rave”, echoing a group ritual, shows a frieze of united individuals, facing the viewer with sharp, luminescent eyes. The dogs are by their side, guarding the recovered heart. Several whispers can be heard, seemingly emanating from the swamp. They sing: The Heart is Ours!

This event takes place as an accompanying event to monsters.