Water Impressions

During my six-week artist-in-residence period in Waldsassen, I created an installation deeply connected to the local water flows and cultural landscape. This work explores the relationship between water and community, drawing on both the physical presence of local rivers – the Wondreb, Mühlgraben, Glasmühlbach, Forellenbach, and Egnermühlbach – and the emotional significance they hold for residents.

Throughout my stay, I gathered reflections and impressions on water from 182 residents, including 110 students. These contributions reveal the community’s diverse perspectives on water as a life source, a historical symbol, and a part of their everyday surroundings. As my residency progressed, the installation gradually became richer, evolving with each new contribution and deepening the connection between the artwork and the community. The final piece incorporates these thoughts to form a collective memory, transforming individual voices into a unified artwork that speaks to the shared heritage and personal connections people in Waldsassen hold with their waterways.