The following text is the first in a line of entries into Oksana Yushko's artist diary, a format we are introducing to share more insights of her and Arthur Bondar's stay hosted by ARS BALTICA and the Nordkolleg Rendsburg. We hope you enjoy the read!
"After almost two years of living in Georgia in the Caucasus and chaotic movements and transformations, we have settled down for this year in the Baltic region of Germany. As we move with the migratory birds from south to north this summer, we literally feel a change of climate zones, less warmth and more daylight and new challenges.
Germany and Georgia, like distant waypoints on a migratory bird's journey, differ in their social and cultural landscapes. Germany, with its orderly efficiency and punctuality, resembles the precise formation of geese flying north. Georgia, with its hospitality and relaxed pace of life, is more like the colorful songbirds that flit between lush valleys.
Just as birds adapt to different environments, we also adjust to contrasting social norms. The German emphasis on privacy and personal space is akin to the solitary flight of an eagle, while Georgian social life, centered around large family gatherings and communal feasts, mirrors the chattering flocks of starlings.
Like migratory birds that carry seeds across continents, we also aim to bring cultural exchange between our past and current experiences, cross-pollinating ideas, thoughts and upcoming projects."
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For her current artistic research project "Where have all the birds gone?" exploring the links between migratory birds, language, territory and conflict, Oksana Yushko is looking for different global/local stories and possible collaborations with people willing to share their experiences on these topics. Scientists, ornithologists, birdwatchers, enthusiasts, socio-linguists, historians, artists and anyone interested in telling their stories are invited to write to oksanayushko[at]gmail.com.
