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The art project SCARS addresses sexual abuse of children. In three project phases, Franz Wassermann carries this topic in the public space of Innsbruck. In phase 1 Security Blanket. Cuddly Toy the artist publishes posters which ask people concerned to send him objects that are connected to their history of abuse. In phase 2 Silence. The Black Room Wassermann installs a mirrored cube in the size of an average child´s room in the inner city of Innsbruck. Inside the cube the visitor hears an audio stream which is played in complete darkness. With the help of a remote control the visitor can stop the audio and turn on the lights in the cube. In the following, s_he finds a small table presenting a selection of personal objects that have been sent to the artists by people concerned. In phase 3 Powerlessness. Paralyzation Wassermann thematizes the emotional numbing which hits people concerned even years after the abuse. In a performance, the artist wraps volunteers in tape to visualize the traumatic experience. The book SCARS presents the whole project in detail and publishes all of Wassermann´s art pieces as well as his dialogue with people concerned.
In cooperation with: chield protection center Innsbruck, Tyrolean women´s center for abused women and children, Tyrolean center for protection against violence, KIZ Tyrolean crisis intervention center and society women against abuse photos: Hannes Schlosser, Manuela Waibl |
