Interview: Tatjana Christelbauer
Luca Curci talks with Tatjana Christelbauer during FRAGMENTED IDENTITIES, second appointment of BORDERS Art Fair 2020, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

In her works, which include dance choreographies, writings, paintings, photographs and installations, Tatjana Christelbauer researches about art practices as forms for creation of the narrative identity by exploring how the prosodic of language effects on imagination and state of mind, movement and cognition. The art works has been created and composed as a bound of lecture performances on the narrative identity and cultural translation by creation of the “self in context”. In her practical research in the field of international relations, Tatjana Christelbauer examines the potential of art in the sustainability discourse. In her Art installation exhibited during FRAGMENTED IDENTITIES, which consists of the two paintings (acrylic on paper), one curtain with rosa feather and the linguistic landscape created with 4 postcards Kiša ~ Pioggia ~ Regen ~ Rain, Tatjana Christelbauer moves between languages and natural landscapes, in which she addresses the prosodic effects of the foreign languages on people’s relations, identity and memory, considering language as a phonetic landscape and identity as a fluid and fragmented “self in context” of disruptive and diffractive global culture. The art works are developed in the time 1993-2020 as a part of the practical research on identity and sense of belonging, considering the art as a scape_exile in which the fragmented nature can be co-constructed by movement and speech.

Luca Curci – What are you currently working on?
Tatjana Christelbauer – Art education projects and performance lectures Arts4Sciences on intercultural relations and Sustainable Development Goals in the field of linguistics, performing arts and international relations.

LC – What’s your background?
TC – Dance arts, intercultural pedagogy, sociology (international relations, cultural diplomacy.

LC – What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
TC – Dance arts, migration and war.

LC – What is your creative process like?
TC – Reflecting on “Self in context”: Composition of narrative, movement and image starting by “emerging acts”, applying on scientific research, including improvisation and always connecting and combining two, three or more media, to widen the context.

LC – Which art themes do you pursue?
TC – Dance arts drawings in stillness – movement and cognition, fine arts and narrative field as a space for construction of identity.

LC – What is your preferred subject, if there is any?
TC – Language, communication, especially the prosodic effects of various languages on emotional state, movement and cognition. I like to work with feathers, pearls and fabrics for my art installations, to extend the space of creation and to widen the context

LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?
TC – The fact that I am working in dialogue of arts and sciences in the field of formal education and cultural diplomacy, also promoting the work of the other artists, such as Hundertwasser as a museum pedagogue. So, there is not much “free” time, only to focus on my artwork. Such combination of activities is challenging but can also be fruitful for development of a comprehensive view within a cross-sectoral space. The missing point is better documentation and media presentation of my artworks, but currently I am taking time to manage this important part.

LC – In which way the artwork presented in our exhibition is connected with the festival’s theme?
TC – “Fragmented Identity” as a theme has been explored in my art&sciences works within the last 20 years. From my perspective as art&sociologist, I perceive identity as a fluid and “fragmented” composition of the “self” within various contexts. The BORDERS Art Fair is such a great initiative, which connects people active in the field of arts and creative industries at international level, opening space for variety of expressions. It is a great opportunity for me to participate with my works and to contribute to the Festival this way.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the festival?
TC – I absolutely agree with your vision of art, connected with Idea of Director Luca Curci to create a communication platform for contemporary art, architecture, design and fashion. Speaking from my perception, the theme of the fair addresses the current global issues on migration, cultures and identities, the role of art in sustainability discourses and within all spheres of life and interaction.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP?
TC – It is a composition of people, works and environments, connected in variety of expressions, in dialogue across all hemispheres. Inspiring, informative, creative, human-and planet-friendly group!

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us?
TC – Yes, definitely! Collaboration can be currently started within the ArtImpact2030 initiative which includes several international projects in the field of Cultural Diplomacy2030 which focus is given on the UN Agenda2030 and sustainable futures, led by art Professionals. The initiative has been supported by the UNESCO by its start in 2018. The main pillars, which are framing this initiative are based on ecological activism and art heritage of Austrian born international artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. We can start with promotion of the BORDERS Art Fair and connect by some future activities. I look forward to our collaboration!

LC – What do you think about our services?
TC – Friendly, on time, purpose&people-service thinking and acting! Grazie!

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
TC – Due to the current restrictions and difficulties caused by the global pandemic, I can only congratulate to the Director Luca Curci and his great team for their dedicated work to make this fair possible! Beside of the fact, that not all participants as well as audiences who desired to attend the exhibition could make it, the event is still present and well promoted through media. I am happy that I could attend the opening ceremony and to talk with the Director Luca Curci and with some colleagues who came for this matter to Venice! Even with masks on our faces and on distance, we could exchange friendly talks and share great time together with inspiring works and hosting places!