Olaf Nicolai–Synagoge Stommeln

Since the early 1990s, Olaf Nicolai has developed a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary projects that scrutinise elementary experiences of space, time and physicality.

Olaf Nicolai has developed a series of vocal performances especially for the former synagogue in Stommeln, inspired by a quote from the Talmud:

‘An uninterpreted dream is like an unread letter.’

(Berachot 55a)

Based on the synagogue as a place of gathering, Nicolai reflects on the importance of communication–of speaking with and to each other, of reading and discussing texts and interpreting language, which are central to this place.

The quote in the title refers to this activity: reading, translation and transmission.

‘Between May and September, singers will perform ten audio-visual interventions in interaction with the flight paths of carrier pigeons and poetically demonstrate what it means to read a letter.’

(Olaf Nicolai)

With the pigeons: Old girl 01075–19–341 (f) and Atabey DV 1075 19 28 (m)

Pigeon fanciers: Dr Manfred Schlotmann and Orçun Yayla, Frechen-Cologne Travelling Pigeon Association 1894

The performances will be recorded and published on an LP after the end of the exhibition.