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Apr 23, 2016—52.536° 13.344°

Peter Schlemihl Exploring Anthropocenic Landscapes

A Follow-up of Von Chamisso's Novella

We took our exercise in the anthropological sense of shadowing, and acted as if we embodied Peter Schlemihl in his exploration Grand Tour; but in Westhafen in 2016.

Dear Journal,
Today I woke up and I was completely stunned.
All is strange around me. I hardly can recognize anything.
The last time I wore my magical boots, they transported me flying across
the world, but now something else may have happened.

As I open the door I see a strange sign on the wall, on which 2016 is written down. Is it the case that my wandering wonderful boots may have transported me into the future? Is it really 2016? Or even later than 2016? I explore the unknown, and soon realize that many species inhabit this amazing new world.
My botanical eyes will do what they like to do best: to map, collect, and describe expertly as many new “species” as possible.
I sense a new flora universalis coming into being.
I will depict and tentatively name them in an attempt at a future taxonomical classification.

After this dizzying experience, I stumble upon a strange statue of a man that, ‘hélas’ unlike me, is casting his own shadow.

And many shadows inhabit this world… and a poignant sound (pictures and sound of alarm).

 

Until I stumble upon the light – the enlightenment – and I finally find myself at home.

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