‘Singularity’ was photographed on the North Frisian island of Sylt. The island is known for its exceptionally unique landscape and its image as an exclusive holiday destination, mainly visited by jet-set tourists of the wealthy classes. This is reflected not only in property prices, but in the conflict over how the island can fulfil its own image and allow the development of tourism for a financially sophisticated clientele.
Arranged as group portraits, the series shows volunteers who work on the island’s nature projects and in the Wadden Sea National Park. The work these volunteers perform—moving to the island for a fixed period of time to experience, observe and engage with the environment—are often happen in the background. This activity does not represent the stereotypes of the typical Sylt holiday destination or follow a given pattern; instead, it invites a new perspective on the island as a verifiable representation of social norms and values. These young people are building the future by questioning the past. They are facing complex topics and setting out new priorities and methods for the present.
‘Singularity’ additionally includes places that are recognisable as geographical locations on the island and referential photographs that describe an area without clearly identifying it.
‘Singularity’ (2018 – 2019), series of 59 photographs (incl. archival reproductions), various dimensions.
‘Singularity’, book, 2019
Design, Editing: Jan Stradtmann
Layout, Graphics: Niklas Boockhoff and Jan Stradtmann
Softcover, offset printing
21,0 x 29,7 cm
76 pages
Edition: 500
Publisher: Sylter Kunstfreunde e.V., 2019
ISBN 978-3-9815292-6-5
‘Singularity’ was photographed on the North Frisian island of Sylt. The island is known for its exceptionally unique landscape and its image as an exclusive holiday destination, mainly visited by jet-set tourists of the wealthy classes. This is reflected not only in property prices, but in the conflict over how the island can fulfil its own image and allow the development of tourism for a financially sophisticated clientele.
Arranged as group portraits, the series shows volunteers who work on the island’s nature projects and in the Wadden Sea National Park. The work these volunteers perform—moving to the island for a fixed period of time to experience, observe and engage with the environment—are often happen in the background. This activity does not represent the stereotypes of the typical Sylt holiday destination or follow a given pattern; instead, it invites a new perspective on the island as a verifiable representation of social norms and values. These young people are building the future by questioning the past. They are facing complex topics and setting out new priorities and methods for the present.
‘Singularity’ additionally includes places that are recognisable as geographical locations on the island and referential photographs that describe an area without clearly identifying it.
‘Singularity’ (2018 – 2019), series of 59 photographs (incl. archival reproductions), various dimensions.
‘Singularity’, book, 2019
Design, Editing: Jan Stradtmann
Layout, Graphics: Niklas Boockhoff and Jan Stradtmann
Softcover, offset printing
21,0 x 29,7 cm
76 pages
Edition: 500
Publisher: Sylter Kunstfreunde e.V., 2019
ISBN 978-3-9815292-6-5