Climb through One's Sweethearts Window ("Fensterln", 2009)
"Fensterln" used to be and still is an ancient means of courting in rural Bavarian and Austrian regions. In the past, grim conventions in the village community forbade any physical contact, often even any talk between young unmarried men and women. Any measures of getting in touch had to take place secretly at nights when everybody was sound asleep.
With the help of an oftentimes long ladder, young men tried to reach the window of their sweetheart’s room for an intimate talk or even more. The risk of exposure as well as the risk of a fall from perilous heights conferred the character of a test of courage upon the act of "Fensterln". Back then just as today the ladder stands for the difficult and often risky way to professional success, the climb to a more desirable, "higher" situation. This can be achieved through expertise and knowledge as well as by "beneficial" relationships with superiors. Therefore, the ancient fashion of "Fensterln" and the climbing of the job ladder both have sexual implications.
The installation "Climb through One's Sweethearts Window" at the BMW IT-Centre combines modern spirit and tradition, old and new, the readiness to assume risk and down-to-earthness.