Linda Jasmin Mayer

∗1986, Meran, Italy

The interaction between humans and natural environments, migration and alienation are the main themes behind Linda Jasmin Mayer’s research, developed largely through video works and installations, as well as in her sculptural andperformance works. In her most challenging work to date,Dove fermarsi?– a multi-part video work – seven birds wander through a variety of landscapes, driven by loss of belonging and in search of a possible new destination. In the work Drifters, specially created for Biennale Gherdëina 9, the artist addresses the theme of metamorphosis, taking her cue from the life of plankton (Greek for ‘wandering’), floating aquatic organisms that are among the smallest on Earth. The choice of subject refers to the formation of the Dolomites – rocky chains originated by the deposition of marine organisms – reminding us how these living beings are indispensable for the perpetuation of life on our planet. Drawing inspiration from the shapes and colours of these vegetable or animal creatures, the artist develops in collaboration with the set designer Andrea Ferri anthropomorphic masks and a performance, inspired by the imagery of the ‘wildman’ – widespread throughout the Dolomites – a figure anchored in popular beliefs throughout Europe with a very ritualistic character.

Has taken part in:

• Biennale Gherdëina 9 | The Parliament of Marmots