asphalt virus
Jannik Nicola Dolder (24), skater, Europapark, Bern, Switzerland
Jasmin Chandra Hilfiker (20), traceurin, Längasse, Bern, Switzerland
Jessica Knoop (26), car restorer, Wankdorf, Bern, Switzerland
Joshua Bucher (10), rollerskater, Skatepark Weyerli, Bern, Switzerland
Sophie Thallinger, biker, Ittigen, Bern, Switzerland
19.11.–30.01.2022
shared spaces in change
Exhibition at the Kornhausforum
Kornhausplatz 18
Switzerland-3001 Bern
Stadtsaal
Virus Asphalt – Photography by Claudia Christen and Text and Audio by Andreas Seiler (seilertexte.ch)
Idea: This project focuses on young people in Bern, who use freely accessible urban spaces for leisurely activities such as skating, parkour, cycling, etc. The exhibition in the Kornhausforum will feature large-format portraits and one-on-one interviews with the protagonists.
Questions: How has the pandemic affected these individuals who indulge their passions in public places? Have they also been affected by restrictions and has their social behavior changed as a result? What type of sehnsucht, or yearning for the unattainable, are they experiencing?
Hypothesis: This outdoor “scene” dedicated to the “asphalt virus” is less affected by social distancing measures because it draws upon free, openly accessible spaces to pursue passions, whether alone or with others. Covid measures and the attendant fatigue seems to affect less their realm in the public places of Bern, whether they are scooting, skating, parkouring, cycling, or restoring cars. But to what degree is that true? A behind-the-scenes look at these young people provides clarity.
These queries and more can be found at Virus Asphalt by Claudia Christen and Andreas Seiler.