Tangled up in Black

Installation on Abuse of Power

What power structures have facilitates exclusion, oppression and racism? What kind of perpetrator profile encourages individuals to place themselves above others - in word and deed?

How can I free myself from my entanglement in social power structures? What inner strength and moral courage is needed to stand up for marginalised people?

At the centre of the installation is a male narcissist, a knight of the dark triad - egocentric, lacking in empathy and manipulative. This type is more common in leadership positions in business, politics and other institutions. Their social behaviour is pleasant, eloquent and persuasive. It is only at second glance that the striving for dominance and the toxic, degrading relationships become apparent. Striking details become visible in the circulation. The right hand is grasping, always ready to grab power and money, even to the point of sexual abuse. The black coat partially conceals the left arm with the filled money bag and a lawyer who protects his master and his sometimes unlawful machinations by muzzling the marginalised victims and denying the deeds.

The pyramid of black steel pipes represents the hierarchical, absolutist sphere of power. Black rods grow out of the narcissist's body to hold the steel cables. The frightening entanglements in his inner life, but also with his degraded fellow human beings, tighten.  

Nevertheless, a loophole remains on the right side, an opening for self-reflection, for communication at eye level and for love.  

I wish people the strength to engage in a process that is both painful and redemptive.