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 self-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.