Art Installation "It is like it is" Dennis Meseg
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Until today I have presented my installation in 30 major cities in Germany. Among them were: Berlin, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, Dresden, Leipzig, Hannover and Stuttgart.
Additionally, to draw attention to the existence threatening impact of Corona, more than 35 different locations hosted my work which were locked down due to Corona prevention. For example the Zoo of Cologne, several theaters, clubs, bars, hotels, discos and retail outlets.
The money raised by gofundme.com I´d like to use for exhibiting the installation „It is like it is'' beyond the borders of Germany. (https://www.dennis-josef-meseg.de/installationen/it-is-like-it-is/ )
Current press releases from over 15 countries:
https://www.dennis-josef-meseg.de/presse/installation/it-is-like-it-is/
(ZDF report, program „VOLLE KANNE“, 02.25.2021)
What does the installation “It is like it is” represent? How did it come into being and who is behind it?
These and similar questions are explained in the following short film.
(Picture: Reichstag Berlin, May 2020)
I’m planning to tour Europe’s 30 major cities with my installation of the 111 figures masked in red and white. Amongst others I´d like to present the installation to Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Warsaw, Luxembourg, Prague and Madrid etc.
And this is where I need your financial support! 
(Picture: ODONIEN, Cologne, August 2020)
I'm planning a tour with the 111 figures of the installation masked in red and white in 30 large cities all over Europe. Amongst others I´d like to present the installation in Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Warsaw, Luxembourg, Prague and Madrid etc.
And this is where I need your financial support, since I already invested my savings for example into buying a new car for the project and it has developed mere energy and optimism, which is why it has to be continued.
(Picture: Winterberg, January 2021)
The installation is a still Corona memorial, consisting of 111 life sized display dummies which have been masked with red and white barrier tape. The installation is meant to stimulate people to reflect and asks them for more appreciation and gratefulness. Appreciation and gratefulness for what we own, because it is times like these that confront us with how radically life can change suddenly. All of a sudden we sadly miss achievements that we took for granted.
(Picture: Neumarkt Cologne, 11.11.2020)
The installation is a representation of the current situation and makes tangible what has been keeping us in suspense for more than a year now.
The cost situation so far:
Generally one can resume that every day of exhibition in Germany has cost approximately € 2000. This includes: four to five helpers, two rented vans, fuel, parking fees, catering, overnight stays and permits.
So far the purchasing costs and costs for the maintenance of the installation amount to around € 70.000. This includes the acquisition costs of the figures, needed replacements or special mannequins, the barrier tape/or adhesive tape, temporary storage, continuous repairs and the water resistant and break proof plywood base plates they stand on.
Further extra expenses are due to the work of the three helpers that coordinate the project; communicate with the officials and cooperation partners and also take over craft and maintenance activities in the studio.
Finally the rent of the studio must be added where we store and repair the by now 111 figures.
Concerning the costs of € 50.000 planned to be raised at gofundme.com:
The European tour will last for several weeks up to approximately 3 months. Whereby we will not be on the move continuously.
We plan visiting the capitals of the surrounding countries, including some cities in non-EU countries, for example London.
I estimate around 25 installation sites in Europe which are calculated at € 2000 per day of installation. Included in those € 2000 are the costs for helpers, accommodation, food, rental vans, parking fees, fuel, permits and repairing of figures.
Of course an artist fee is NOT calculated as costs and I will not deduct it from the € 50.000. Like last year, I work WITHOUT a fee. On the contrary! Until today I have financed all of the costs entirely from my own savings.
How will the installation go on after the European tour?
After the European tour the installation will travel to the USA in autumn.
A few weeks ago I held a virtual lecture at the UVA (University of Virginia) and the Virginia Tech (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University). Two German professors who are lecturing there are so enthusiastic about the installation that they are applying for funding through the German Embassy/the German Foreign Office in Washington DC in order to give me and my team the opportunity to present the installation “IT IS LIKE IT IS” at the UVA and the Virginia Tech in Virginia in autumn. Additionally students of both universities will be involved in a workshop to develop their own artistic works on site.
Afterwards the exhibition will be touring the east coast of the USA from Washington DC all the way up to New York visiting some Museums and also German Hubs, ending with a great finale for example being installed on the green space in front of the Statue of Liberty.
Thank you! :)
Donators are rewarded with the following presents (in case contact details are known):
€ 0.00 to 50.00 A personal thank you via email or DM
€ 50.00 to 100.00 An autographed postcard
€ 100.00 to 500.00 An autographed wood print (25x25 cm) in a 2. edition
€ 500.00 to 1000.00 An autographed display dummy body part wrapped up in barrier tape
€ 1000.00 to 5000.00 Chose a name of one of the 111 display dummies/figures
Amounts above € 5000.00 An own display dummy wrapped up in barrier tape (special edition).
The most generous donator exclusively will be granted with getting to spend a whole day with us on one of the exhibition days and is our invited guest for lunch and dinner that day.
For further information and pictures about me, the installation and other activities visit instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dennis_arte
If you have questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with me via DM or give me a short phone call. Find all contact details here on my website: https://www.dennis-josef-meseg.de/impressum/
Thank you for your support! : )
Sincerely,
Dennis & the entire team of „it is like it is“
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