Martina Geiger‑Gerlach

warten (Peace!) | waiting (Peace!)

The four uncut mobile phone recordings document my initial attempt to respond to the mandate set out in the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz) to create new work opportunities for asylum seekers without work permits. In a vacant, former 'Weltbild' bookstore, I offer the performative work opportunity 'waiting' This free, ad-hoc collaboration on my long-term performance relies entirely on the presence and beauty of the individual, on mutual perception, and on the impact of space, art, and time. The performative activity is 'being there'; it is compensated according to the law (in 2015, at €1.05/hour) and generates an entire series of works.