Stories of being present

„Stories of being present“ is a joint project with Julius Heinemann. Heinemann is a visual artist who lives and works in Berlin. His practice is based on the study of the different layers of perception, understood as a key for the relationship between the subject and the other – an "other" that can also be called reality, society, world, etc. Heinemann analyses how perception works and he focus on developing a new vocabulary, that allows him to face up to the instability and the flow of nowness; this constant state of becoming, grasping other temporal and spatial structures. This project is designed as a series of interviews in which people – who have a special relationship to the present – are questioned about their present-day perception. Their specific perception of feeling present can be permanent or temporary (e.g. Zen, psychedelic states), for work-related reasons (e.g, wildlife cameraman, soldier), because of specific experiences in the past (e.g. trauma), or due to a mental disorder (e.g. schizophrenia, PTSD). Our aim is to investigate the diversity of perception – especially on time and nowness – and to analyse shared and diverging phenomena as well as the influence of past experiences or states on perception of being present.

Steinmann S (2022). The brain makes up its own picture. In: Untitled, 1956; Red, Green and Yellow; Gone Fishing. London: Flat Time House, Exhibition catalogue

http://juliusheinemann.de