Exhibition
Start date: Wednesday 31 May 2023
Time: 17:00
End date: Monday 05 June 2023
Time: 19:00
Location: Kungsholmen International Library, St. Eriksgatan 33 | Fridhemsplan

31 May – 5 June
Mo., Wed. – Fri. 10:00–19:00
Sa. & Su. 11:00–15:00

Opening 31 May, 17:00
Memorial Café with Zafira Vrba Woodski 5 June, 17:00-18:30

An incident like death can transform an object from insignificant to holding intrinsic value. It is the change in emotional attachment that alters the way we perceive something. The things left behind suddenly appear in a different light to the bereaved:
The dress is no longer just a dress; it becomes the dress she wore that afternoon in late August five years ago when she accidentally spilled some coffee.
The material now carries memories.
In an instant, an object that previously went unnoticed gains significance. It is captured and cherished because it feels like the last tangible link that connects us to the departed.
These objects help us sustain a bond with what we have lost, allowing us to continue the connection even in their absence.
The exhibition shows Johan Steinmetz’ RK 511 SE Steinmetz, an artwork comprised of 79 prints, blank spaces, and an audio piece, at the library's entrance area. The work explores the role of material objects in the context of loss. It offers a personal and introspective look into how objects can constitute identity and serve as carriers of memory.

As part of the exhibition, Zafira Vrba Woodski is hosting a Memorial Café on Monday 5 June from 17:00–18:30 for Cake, Coffee, and Conversations Around Death.
It offers a space to talk about death, life, and memories over coffee and cake! Everyone, no matter, whether you're grappling with the loss of a loved one, or simply curious about this often-taboo topic, is welcome to share their story, ask questions, or simply listen. It’s about remembering and honoring our loved ones. It is free of charge and there will be free fika.

Sign up

There is no need for booking, but we kindly request that you sign up here if you intend to join:

https://beta.biblioteket.stockholm.se/evenemang/memorial-cafe-1?fbclid=IwAR3RiR6NxFqWMBzkZwABlmL8BIj-Rl5PbqoRAkOImrDwzvL0g64r_1n0sgw

More information about the project:

www.continuingbonds.de

Johan Steinmetz (b. 1995) is a German artist whose work explores the handling, intervention, and appropriation of different spaces and investigates how changes in the environment affect our perception of it. Through the medium of digital photography, he combines and captures the sculptural and performative aspects of his work. The themes of loss and the feeling of being at a standstill are often present in his work. Currently based in Kassel, Germany.

Zafira Vrba Woodski (b. 1980) is an artist, certified death doula, and trans activist. Zafira works with death in art and magic and regularly hosts Death Cafés for the trans communities and Dinner with Death for various constellations and groups. As an Interfaith Minister Zafira also offers queer and trans communities rituals and ceremonies to mark transitions, gender-affirming care, memorials, and celebrations of both relationships and breakups. Currently based in Stockholm, Sweden.

Johanna Rüskamp (b. 1996) is a curator and art educator from Germany. Her academic background is in art aesthetics, sociology, and provenance research. Recent curatorial works include Tunnel Vision as part of Nobel Week Lights and the workshop series Chasing an Idea co-curated with Ifra Shariq in collaboration with Accelerator and Kungsholmens Gymnasium. Currently based in Stockholm, Sweden.