As the Tokyo Biennale is running right now, we wanted to inform you that we didn’t get selected. We wish all the artists that did get selected a very nice show <3 #tokyo #tokyobiennale
We made a mistake — and it was time, along with the conversations we had with those who disagreed, that helped us understand it. We moved too quickly during an emotionally complex moment we absolutely misjudged the context.
Public space has many users. Our idea — to invite local residents to write their speeches on the city’s largest wall — came from a place of involvement but ended up narrowing our perspective. We missed certain sensitivities and, in doing so, overlooked how divergent views shape shared space.
Because, like the world, public space is full of differing viewpoints. The only way forward is to consider one another — and we didn’t. That was a mistake.
That misstep didn’t define the project, but it did sharpen our understanding — not of how to avoid conflict, but of how to hold it, and learn from it.
It took some time, but here it is—the certificate aka the diary manifest, written for our last project during the @couleurcafefestival
"HAVE YOUR SAY, GO VOTE FOR A HEAD. TAKE EACH OTHER’S FUN AND FLY TO WHEREVER THE WIND BLOWS CLEAN YOUR OBLIVIOUSNESS AND WELL-FRAMED PRIVILEGED FREEDOM OF SPEECH. OR DO NOT, AND USE EACH BRICK LETTER TO FORM WORDS THAT HAVE THE ABILITY TO REPLACE HIGH WALLS BY THE UNEASE. RE-CENTER RESISTANCE AS A ONE-SHOT AND CLAIM THE MOST VISIBLE SPOT."
In 2024 we where cooking something... And in 2025 will also probably we still cook it. Maybe also in 2026 and 2027...?We don't know, so you know.
But eventually at some point we will launch it. Hugs from us.
8/8 – For this work in India, as well as the one in Zurich @bosquerreal , we find ourselves, for the very first time, with two examples where another object, beyond the 'certificate', remains. The first is in Zurich, majestically displayed in the living room of our dear friends champansky_ and @schlendrian_pfeiffer , the second in the @kaeecontemporary gallery in Kolkata.
The project ‘THE PUBLIC'S CONTENT BUREAU’ may have a continuation; we're giving it some thought. Let's see.
Big thanks to @chryssocos for the English corrections and the great mood! ❤️
01.11.2023 – 30.11.2023
7/8 – After each project, only a body of text remains: white on a black background in all capital letters — almost impossible to read. We like to define these texts as 'certificates', documenting our intimate and emotional impressions during the making of the artwork — like a daily manifesto.
For ”better" reading of the certificates, see the full version on our website leefwerk.org
6/8 – We discovered that the idea of meeting up to discuss various topics had a name and a clear essential function in Kolkata: an 'adda'.
An 'adda' is an informal gathering where friends engage in lively, often intellectual conversations, on various topics, reflecting the city's rich cultural and social life. Our setup, in public space, was simply recreating this moment over a cup of chai.
Pictures for this selection by Vivienne Sarky @vsstudios.in
Thanks to Vivienne for the photoshoot!
@kaeecontemporary@thepartialprofile@sourovgarai
