May 2002
Dear readers,
For Germans, the idea of a Kiwi choosing to live in the former East Germany seems bizarre. The simple answer is: because it´s different. Of course it´s a much longer story. And I´m often asked by friends back home when I´m returning...the simple answer to that is: I don´t know. So, to try to fill you in a bit, if you don´t already know, I came here in 1998 to develop my photography...my interest in history, politics and culture piqued by European friends and writers and artists who have spent time here.
It´s been tough going, but also very rewarding. I´m surviving by teaching English, slowly learning the language, making good friends and finding very helpful contacts. The projects I´m working on are starting to show fruit and it´s clear to me that there is a lot more that I can do. My viewpoint seems to be quite different from the other photographers - perhaps just because I´m not burdened by their historical baggage. This is a complex issue because the art traditions here are very important, and this could cause problems for me to have my work respected - however, I see this as an advantage: maybe I can be more objective.
There are big changes going on in Europe, so I guess I´m unlikely to run out of ideas very soon. The boundaries are being pushed back with Poland, the Czech Republic and other former Soviet satellite countries about to join the EU. Cosmetic preparations include not only the removal of beggars (like this one I saw in Prague), but we are likely to witness enormous cultural and political upheaval. East Germany was the frontier - this is moving now - and there is really a lot of work ahead.
So, I´m still here.
Prost,
Dean