Tania Gheerbrant

To better immerse visitors in this universe, the artist creates a contemplative installation facing the landscape referring to both the boudoir and the psychoanalytic couch: sitting on this double bench implies agreeing to immerse oneself in the troubled waters of an unknown lake blurring the boundaries between documentary and fiction, the real and the imaginary. Three video lenses are inserted in the seat like portholes to inner lives. This parade of stories, images and sounds is inspired by the testimonies of people who hear voices, like the story of Jaj who, in addition to recounting his experience in a recorded interview, performs a rewriting of the song ‘Les Dingues et les Paumés’ over a clarinet tune played by Constantin Jopeck in the film. The montage also introduces the story of Aimée F., played by Jany Lauga, who talks about her conversations with birds. The whole piece is intertwined organically with landscape views created by the artist in Lugano, weaving a strong poetic link between nature and psyche, water and madness. And it is in this game of echoes that questions arise or doubts emerge redefining our understanding of what is called “mental health”. Through these flows of thoughts and voices, the artist invites an intimate reflection on how we comprehend reality, physically and emotionally. Finally, in each of these lenses, a bit of the unconscious landscapes of the visitors is reflected.