The fortlaufen // continue project encompasses ten scores for perception exercises, designed to promote the principle of fundamental reciprocity in urban spaces. The artist’s definition of fundamental reciprocity refers to the ability to consciously perceive one’s surroundings, act on them, and notice the changes resulting from one’s actions. By offering simple guidelines for activities in public spaces, the project aims to establish a culture of attentive interaction between individuals and their surroundings

The essence of the artwork lies in the individual perception of each participant, either through physical enactment or imaginative visualisation of the scores. The scores of fortlaufen // continue are designed to be reflective moments within the self-referential system of the human-environment feedback loop.

The ten exercises, documented in the booklet, were hung up in Weimar’s Public Space, in designated places where the practises could be executed. This act was documented as photographs and used to contextualise the exhibited booklet. Two hidden loud speakers spoke the exercises in irregular intervals into the exhibition space. The booklet itself could be taken away by visitors, free of charge. It contained the ten perception exercises and a brief manifesto on the artists so called fundamental reciprocity (Grundlegende Wechselseitigkeit).

Manifesto for a fundamental reciprocity:

As ‚fundamental reciprocity‘ I understand: consciously perceiving one’s environment, consciously influencing it, and consciously experiencing the changes caused by one’s actions.

In a world where our interaction with the environment is crucial, I present the feedback system of ‚fundamental reciprocity‘ not as a new idea, but as a fundamental core of many proven practices, such as indigenous wisdom, ecological movements, and traditional philosophies that promote a more conscious, mindful, and sustainable interaction with our environment. 

This principle of conscious interaction and perception is defined by the deliberate impact on our surroundings and understanding the resulting changes. It is an essential component to establish a deep connection between humans and the environment in a time when planetary health and social structures are threatened.

I call for integrating this concept into all aspects of life and building a society based on conscious interaction, mindfulness, and sustainable action. Only through recognition and corresponding actions can we achieve a healthy, mutual relationship between humans and the environment, and thus shape a sustainable future.

fortlaufen // continue was developed and exhibited in the framework of the group exhibition Of Webs, Patterns and Other Beings in Weimar, Germany. The project is funded by the Bauhaus University Kreativfonds, the Studierendenwerk Thuringia and the Bauhaus StuKo.