God, oh God, bring me the best luck.
2023-2025
God, oh God, bring me the best luck is a translation of a Plattdeutsch phrase carved into one of these Altesland /Oldlands buildings, which exist on Rhine edge fenlands near Hamburg.
The area is a famous fruit growing area and many of these buildings relate to that industry and heritage. The earliest buildings date from the mid 17th century and include subdivided area for animals, workers and the family all under one long roof. Often smaller houses, for elderly parents are nearby too – keeping family close.
Christian beliefs are held close in this region and given the flood risk (the area is below sea level) you can see why prayer and superstitions are still seriously practiced. One example is that the Hex decorated front doors are opened for newly-weds to enter the house, but then blocked until their funeral. Meaning side doors are used on a daily basis.
Two extended residencies in Altesland villages; Luhe, Stienkirchen and Jork, led to the production of these drawings. Exhibited in a grid format, they reference to Delft Ware tiles commonly found in the buildings interiors.
23 x HB Pencil on paper
25cm x 25cm
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