Since February 2015, the three artists from Myvillages – Wapke Feenstra (Rotterdam), Kathrin Böhm (London) and Antje Schiffers (Berlin) – have continually exhibited projects from far away villages in the Gartenhaus at the Museum of Contemporary Art (GfZK), which was converted especially to stage the International Village Show. In seven exhibitions and a large number of events, they have presented their ongoing projects from 16 different villages and landscapes all over the world. The Gartenhaus became the one place where all villages came together.
The artists, who grew up in rural areas themselves, turn their attention to places in the world where the meaning of culture is not the same as in large cities. Their workshops, productions and collaborations all run on a long-term basis. With their work they influence existing processes and generate attention, encouraging people to rethink and take action.
On 2 December, the final episode of the International Village Show launches with a shop a book launch and a one day convention. All the products that have been available over the last two years at the International Village Shop in Leipzig will be for sale. Like the vending machine favourites: geological rocks, flower tattoos and Russian clay animals. Products manufactured especially for the show will also be available, such as the high-quality black earth Esch F6, stools and wickerwork from Rumania and the Twisted Bugle from Northern Island. The newest product is a Wild Treasure from Beetsterzwaag – a bean-shaped silver casket covered in moleskin.
The accompanying publication is Myvillages’ first monography, published by JOVIS Verlag. It features essays, interviews and photographs and texts presenting all the villages and projects that have taken part in the International Village Show, both locally and in Leipzig. The graphic artist Kristina Brusa from Leipzig designed the 306-page book in collaboration with the artists.
On 3 December, a one-day conference will be held on the theme of “Where does art go?“. This conference is held within the framework of Ecole_IG, an international action network to which Myvillages belongs.
