Jess Richter: Die Hexe
to
Neutral Ground 1835 Scarth Street, Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 2G2
Neutral Ground Closure
Jess Richter, "Die Hexe," 2020
* Opening Reception: CANCELLED *
*The Window Gallery is visible 24/7 at a safe distance from Scarth Street*
Die Hexe is a large-scale papercut installation that explores post-war German-Canadian culture through the use of occult and folk rituals. Drawing inspiration from folk practices from Eastern Europe, Germany and Great Britain (areas of Europe my ancestors are from), Die Hexe examines the role of self-determination versus fate in cultural identity and the use of ritual and practice to both form and negate it. Floating, layered papercut figures and scenery feature a mysterious veiled witch performing a spell in the Black Forest on the night of the Winter Solstice. Power is given to the individual (women, in particular) through rediscovering these ancient rituals, and ultimately it is up to the viewer to decide what the witch is asking for and whether or not she will receive it.