Preview Susanne Schleyer - A German Photographer Confronts German History
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Exploring German History Through the Lens of Susanne Schleyer
Introduction
Susanne Schleyer, a remarkable German photographer, has released a thought-provoking new book titled "Unterwegs" ("On the Road"), featuring 100 photographs and stories from 12 diverse cities. This includes Amsterdam, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Jerusalem, London, Paris, Prague, Rome, San Francisco, Saint Petersburg, Venice, and Vienna.
Discovering Susanne Schleyer
Thanks to my brother, who often inspires my story ideas, I learned about Schleyer and her intriguing body of work. After exploring her website, I had an enlightening conversation with her from Berlin. Susanne, now in her early 40s, studied art and German philology in Berlin, later pursuing photography in Leipzig. Her career has taken her to Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Russia, Chile, Argentina, Austria, and beyond.
"Unterwegs" - A Journey Through Cities
In "Unterwegs," Susanne collaborated with authors who crafted stories inspired by her photographs. The book, published in September 2005, showcases a melding of visual and literary art.
"Trilogy - A German History Project"
One of Susanne's most fascinating endeavors is "Trilogy," a project created with artist Michael J. Stephan. This series comprises three exhibitions of images and sound collages, exploring German history post-World War II.
Part I: "Asservate" - A Family's Chronicle
In "Asservate," Susanne delves into her family's past, reflecting on her grandfather's role in the Nazi regime. This segment examines three generations of men living through the Third Reich, communist East Germany, and reunified Germany. Susanne discovered that the historical events once perceived as distant are still palpably present.
Part II: Exploring German Immigrants in Argentina
In the second part, "Bueno! Alemanes en Argentina 2000," Susanne and Michael explored the lives of German immigrants in Buenos Aires. These individuals, ranging from Jewish refugees to National Socialists, present a complex image of Germany frozen in time.
Part III: The Sologubovka Cemetery
The project's final part revolves around the Sologubovka Cemetery in Russia, the largest war cemetery in Europe, where Susanne’s grandfather is buried. It starkly contrasts with the somber memorial for Soviet victims of the Leningrad Blockade.
Research and Exhibitions
Susanne and Michael's comprehensive research involved historical and sociological studies, supplemented by extensive fieldwork. The "Trilogy" exhibits have been showcased across Germany, the Netherlands, Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Buenos Aires.
Personal Reflections
As I prepare to interview Susanne, I find her exploration deeply resonant with my own quest to understand my father's enigmatic past as a conscripted Nazi soldier. My dedication to intercultural openness stems from processing this personal history.
Conclusion
Susanne Schleyer's work underscores the enduring impact of World War II on both victims and descendants of perpetrators. Her courageous exploration of personal and collective history inspires others to confront and comprehend their own familial narratives.
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