Wir träumen weiter /continuons de rêver!

On the night of June 13-14, 1996, twelve women each placed a bed in a public space in the city of Geneva—and spent the night there. Each of them chose a suitable location where they felt safe. The action represented a conscious appropriation of the city’s nighttime space. Our upbringing has taught us – especially as women – that it is dangerous to be alone in public spaces at night. This cultural conditioning has become deeply ingrained in us in the form of fear. But why shouldn’t we be able to move around outside at night as freely as we do during the day?

The action was intended as a critical commentary on the prevailing idea at the time that safety in urban spaces could be achieved primarily through increased lighting. Our concern was different: we wanted to send a visible signal that women can move freely and respectfully in public spaces at night – with the same right to be present as at any other time of day. The campaign arose in the context of a critical examination of the topic as part of the exhibition ‘Sex & Space’. The project idea came from Susanne Sauter. The campaign was developed and implemented in collaboration with a group of art students and friends from Geneva.

Here’s how it works:

Form a group.

Each participant finds an impressive location in a public space where they feel safe overnight.

The equipment includes an iron bed frame and white bed linen.

One person can make the rounds to make sure everyone is okay. At the same time, they document the sleepers with photographs.

The press will be informed the evening before.

June 14 is a suitable date for the action.

Depending on the situation, adjustments to the setting may be necessary.

Credits:

Participants in the action: Fenja Abraham, Martine Anderführen, Simone Bachelet, Lea Jaecklin, Rachel Mader, Alexia o’ Hara, Susanne Sauter, Monique Sieber, and others.

Photographer and accompaniment: Birgit Schiemann

Susanne Sauter (CH), born in 1969

Artist and curator, works independently with a focus on color concepts. She has curated various exhibitions, including at White Space – Raum für Kunst und Untersuchung in Zurich, K3 Zurich, and Tudelhaus Baden.

In 1996, the work presented here at Loving Shedhalle – Abundance was shown in its original form as part of the exhibition Sex & Space (1996) at the Shedhalle.