I AM NOT A MISTAKE – and other personal statements, 2020

The performance I AM NOT A MISTAKE – and other personal statements addresses the vulnerability and strength involved in sharing things that can be difficult to say out loud. During a course of workshops, Haslund and a group of young people make individual signs with statements that are important to them, such as “My dad has cancer”, “I dare!” or “I can stand alone, but we stand stronger together.” At the beginning of the performance all the participants walk through town alone with their signs. They then reconvene on a lawn in front of the town hall, creating a formation that ends with them falling into line and one by one shouting the statement on their sign. The many colourful signs are reminiscent of a demonstration and highlight the right to express oneself in public space. Here, however, instead of supporting a common cause, the sense of solidarity between the young people is based on their individuality and the personal challenges they face.

I AM NOT A MISTAKE – and other personal statements, a performance, a hike and a choreography made in close collaboration with 2B from Hvidovre high school, performed and shown around Hvidovre and in front of Hvidovre town hall on september 12th 2020.

An 8 min. film by Christian Brems documents the performance was screened at Hvidovre main library September 18– October 18th 
Opening hours Monday–Friday, 8am-8pm, weekends 8am-6pm

I AM NOT A MISTAKE – and other personal statements, curated by, and arranged in collaboration with Råderum–mobile office for contemporary art, and initiated by Hvidovre arts council as part of the regional culture week.

A big thanks to Hvidovre high school, TEC Hvidovre, Hvidovre main library and Hvidovre municipality, - and to curator Charlotte Bagger Brandt / Råderum–mobile office for contemporary art, Christian Ravn Brems and Nikita Pharao Munk

Photos by Matilde Haaning