Forensic Architecture and Forensis Trace Colonial Genocide in Berlin Exhibition
The exhibition "Fractured Lifeworlds," presented by Forensic Architecture and Forensis at Spore Initiative in Berlin, explores the German genocide of the Ovaherero and Nama from 1884 to 1915, recognized as the first genocide of the 20th century. This project arose from a four-year collaboration with representatives of the Ovaherero and Nama. Using forensic techniques, researchers identified two concentration camps in Windhoek and reconstructed the 1893 Hornkranz massacre. The exhibition is organized into three segments: 'Busch,' 'Wind,' and 'Sand.' Additionally, a mass grave discovery beneath a planned green energy project sparked protests, highlighting ongoing land ownership disparities in Namibia.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Fractured Lifeworlds' at Spore Initiative, Berlin, by Forensic Architecture and Forensis
- Focus on German genocide of Ovaherero and Nama (1884–1915), considered first genocide of 20th century
- Four-year research collaboration with Ovaherero and Nama representatives
- Forensic methods relocated two concentration camps in Windhoek and reconstructed 1893 Hornkranz massacre
- Exhibition divided into three chapters: 'Busch', 'Wind', 'Sand'
- Namibia's white minority (2%) still owns 70% of land
- Haifischinsel concentration camp site closed to tourism after mass graves identified
- Mass grave found beneath planned 'Hyphen' green energy project, causing protest
Entities
Artists
- Eyal Weizman
- Mark Mushiva
- Kambanda Veii
Institutions
- Forensic Architecture
- Forensis
- Spore Initiative
- Ovaherero/Ovambanderu Genocide Foundation
- Hyphen
Locations
- Berlin
- Germany
- Namibia
- Windhoek
- Hornkranz
- Haifischinsel