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Hand-Charcoal-Song, Asef-Burckhardt, performance and video, 9:48 min, 4K, binaural sound, 2024

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In the video performance “Hand-Charcoal-Song”, Burckhardt sings an impromptu song to and inspired by a piece of burnt wood while standing in the hollowed trunk of a burnt redwood tree – the largest and oldest trees on earth. They have gone nearly extinct due to logging, climate stress, and wildfires. Asef-Burckhardt have collected redwood charcoal pieces from wildfires to extend the video to a performative format, enabling a direct experience between charcoal, voice, and body: During the opening, Burckhardt and the performer Mathilde Mensink sang into the hands of the visitors gently placing a charred redwood in their hands.

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Performers: Kirstin Burckhardt and Mathilde Mensink
Photos: Mario Asef, Alice Stella