Time. Signs
2020
15 printed plates
“What conclusions will future generations draw from the fragments of our time, long after we are gone?”
Time. Signs
Ceramics are among the most enduring materials in our world. From ancient cultures, often only ceramic objects remain, providing insight into the lifestyles of our ancestors. But what will survive from our time? And what conclusions will future generations draw from the fragments of our time, long after we are gone?
The work “Time. Signs” offers a starting point for understanding the spirit of our age. Fifteen found plates were printed with selected words or so-called non-words from the past three decades.
Rasterfahndung (dragnet investigation) – 1980
Term for the introduction of this investigation method due to the terrorist threats of the 1970s.
Chernobyl – 1986
The dominant word after the nuclear disaster on April 26, 1986.
AIDS – 1987
Expression of the growing fear of the immunodeficiency disease.
Reisefreiheit (Freedom to travel) – 1989
Introduction of travel freedom in the GDR.
Überfremdung (Overforeignization) – 1993
Pseudo-argument against the influx of people with a migration background.
National befreite Zone (National liberated zone) – 2000
Cynically glorifying term for a region terrorized by right-wing extremists to make it “free of foreigners.”
Gotteskrieger (Holy warriors) – 2001
Self- and external designation of the Taliban and al-Qaeda terrorists, especially present after the September 11 attacks.
Teuro (a portmanteau of “expensive” and “euro”) – 2002
Perceived price increases following the introduction of the euro.
Notleidende Banken (Banks in distress) – 2008
Absurd stylization of banks as victims, even though their financial policies caused the global economic crisis; as a result, several national economies had to be stabilized through billion-euro loans.
Wutbürger (Angry citizen) – 2010
Emergence of a new protest culture rooted in disappointment over certain political decisions.
Sozialtourismus (Welfare tourism) – 2013
Deliberate agitation against unwanted immigration, especially from Eastern Europe.
Lügenpresse (Lying press) – 2014
Expression of growing mistrust toward media reporting, primarily used by supporters of the Pegida movement, ignoring its historical associations (World War I, National Socialism).
Volksverräter (Traitor to the people) – 2016
Defamatory term for democratically elected politicians in parliamentary or official positions.
Heißzeit (Hot age) – 2018
Term for the extreme summer of 2018 as a result of the climate crisis.