Woordfees - Unheimlich

Woordfees: http://www.sun.ac.za/english/woordfees

Unheimlich

Woordfees 2016, Stellenbosch

Unheimlich is a Freudian term which inadequately translates as uncanny, but for my purposes, better as unhomely. I am deliberately using materials, objects, activities [practices] and spaces in ways that they are not usually used. I find this an effective strategy to open up other ways of being.

Knitting is most often associated with the domestic, private, home and feminine. As a tactic it is disarming as everyone loves granny. By performing knitting in public spaces [site specific spaces], with unconventional materials [education documents], with unconventional tools [paintbrushes] and by a man, it acts as a device to re/de/un categorize spaces, things, activities and being.