state of state
About the project
The idea of “state” is a significant one, and one that is often abused, misinterpreted and distorted, or even seen as synonymous with estrangement. It is a construct that in some areas has broken free of any connections to its so-called people; a dehumanised construct scorned by critics and found to be autonomous and autocratic. But a state is not just an unfeeling institution, and is by no means just a machine with binary codes, which can only recognise 0 and 1. A state is given life by its people, and any activity - or lack thereof - always arises from them. Any real democracy can be recognised today by its clear separation of powers into the legislative, executive and judiciary branches of government. A separate government institution is responsible for each of these powers, which should work independently from each other and keep each other in check. This model of governance can be recognised in states all over the world, but is increasingly becoming the subject of intense questioning. The question of what a state really is and what is hidden behind the stereotypical idea of “the state” has never been more exciting. On a global level, it is important not to define a state as “Merkel”, “Erdogan” or “Trump” or even “the Russians”. Now seems like the perfect time for a photographic examination of the idea of “state” across various different countries.
- 1966 geboren in Osnabrück / Niedersachsen 1996 Studium an der Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst Leipzig Fachklasse Prof. Timm Rautert 2000 Mitglied der Fotoagentur LAIF, lebt und arbeitet in Leipzig Ausstellungen und Auszeichnungen 2013 Stipendium...