Artist-in-Residence at XYZ books in Lisbon, Portugal
Norman Behrendt's artistic practice revolves around long-term projects rooted in extensive research. His themes are diverse, ranging from the construction of personal and collective identities to the social and political changes sweeping across Europe, as well as the exploration of urban environments.
During his residency at XYZ books in Lisbon, Behrendt will turn his latest project, Exit (2022-24), into a book. In this work, he uses photography to investigate the hatches of Berlin's subway system and their locations within the city's urban landscape. Typically, these inconspicuous, often hidden exits remain closed and blend seamlessly with the surrounding architecture. However, when open, they form a link between public spaces and the unseen, mysterious underground. These open, monitored portals suggest an emergency — an unexpected, uncontrolled event — that disrupts order and security. Behrendt's images capture the essence of this emergency. The lingering questions are: Why are these exits open? Who triggered them? What has occurred? The viewer is left facing an empty stage, suspended between what has happened and what might yet unfold.
The artist-in-residency is supported by the European Union (Culture Moves Europe Grant) and implemented by the Goethe Institut.
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