RORSCHACH.- The serene promenade along Lake Rorschach has once again become an open-air gallery, hosting the sixth iteration of its annual billboard art project. This season features the thought-provoking work of transmedia artist Donia Jornod, whose series "information was lost" now graces the prominent lakeside spaces. Jornod, a Geneva-born artist currently working from Zurich, unveiled her new pieces, inviting passersby to contemplate the complexities of historical narratives and the elusive nature of truth.
The foundation of Jornod's compelling work lies in her extensive research into archival materials from the Algerian War (1954-1962), sourced from Parisian city archives. By meticulously comparing accounts of the same events from opposing sides of the conflict, Jornod exposes the profound impact of censorship and the subtle manipulation of fact and fiction that permeated this pivotal period in history. Adding another layer of complexity, the artist notes that numerous Algerian archives vanished or were destroyed following the nation's independence, some even reportedly cast into the sea. This historical reality underscores the inherent difficulty in uncovering an objective and complete understanding of the past.
In response to these fragmented and often contradictory sources, Jornod has crafted an intricate visual tapestry that seeks to bridge the gap between personal and collective memory, aiming to forge a shared visual understanding. Her artistic process involves assembling the unearthed archival fragments into compelling visual patchworks. Through the deliberate juxtaposition and subtle resonance between these disparate images, Jornod echoes the methodologies of art historian Aby Warburg, who famously arranged images in constellations to illuminate hidden connections and underlying dynamics. The resulting artwork doesn't strive for a straightforward, linear narrative. Instead, it offers viewers a fresh lens through which to consider history and memory, acknowledging their inherent openness to individual interpretation.
Donia Jornod, born in 1991, brings a unique perspective as a "digital native" with a background in architecture from EPFL and ETH Zurich. Her transmedia practice seamlessly blends analog and digital realms. A central theme in her work is the exploration of the perceived boundaries of reality as experienced through the human body. Jornod seeks to capture the ephemeral moment when a mental image or a deeply held memory begins to dissolve and transform, leading to the overlapping of different realities. Working across both digital and physical media, she has developed a particular fascination with the body, viewing it as a potent reflection of the prevailing political climate.
The "Billboards by the Lake" project is an initiative of the KulturFrühling Rorschach association, founded in 2002 by Elisabeth and Thomas Krucker. Since its inception, the association has served as a vital platform for cultural creators in the Rorschach region, fostering collaboration and connection. Following various art actions and events throughout the town, the association initiated a project space by the lake in the Kornhaus Rorschach in 2010. This space hosted biannual "rendezvous," featuring exhibitions with accompanying programs of literature, performance, and music. A core mission was to promote artistic endeavors within Rorschach, facilitate the engagement of art in public spaces, and create opportunities for the public to connect with artists and contemporary art. After a successful run, the project space concluded in the summer of 2018. The "Billboards by the Lake" project, launched in 2019 on the square adjacent to the Kornhaus, now serves as its successor in the public realm. The prominent location along the bustling lakeside promenade allows the art to engage a broad audience with an accessible and thought-provoking experience.
Visitors strolling along the Rorschach lakefront can now encounter Jornod's compelling visual narratives, prompting reflection on the complexities of history, the power of perspective, and the enduring questions surrounding what is remembered, what is lost, and what ultimately shapes our understanding of the past. The exhibition is currently open and will remain on display throughout the season.
