German artist Thomas Kilpper. From the book "Global activism. Art and conflict in the 21st century".

festival of activist art Mediaudar, which was held in early November in Moscow, was presented the book Peter Weibel"Global activism. Art and conflict in the 21st century". The publication includes names associated with activism, from different parts of the world, including from Russia. But today I would like to highlight German artist Thomas Kilpper.

Thomas Kilpper living in Berlin artist known for his political and artistic interventions in urban space, as well as his work in one of the directions of modern art – the site-specifics (eng. site-specific – associated with a place). His canvas is the floor of historic buildings, where various important political or socially significant events. In the floor it cuts out a large-scale relief blocks, then of these images produces large-format prints. In 2011 at the Venice Biennale, he presented "a Pavilion for revolutionary free speech”, which included "speakers corner", and woodcuts of the artist. The project was presented in the Danish pavilion.


"a lighthouse for Lampedusa" is a project in the genre of site-specifics, initiated in 2009, in which Kilpper addresses the problem of immigration and the tragic death of thousands of refugees. Every year tens of thousands of refugees in overcrowded boats to reach the small Italian island of Lampedusa, southwest of Sicily and just 70 miles from the Tunisian coast. And every year many hundreds of them do not reach their goal and drown in the Mediterranean sea. Far from the borders of Europe, which is both a fortress and a safe (and perhaps multicultural) a refuge, offering protection from political persecution and poverty. According to the Italian NGO, more than 20 thousand people were killed from 1998 to 2013, and, since 2009, nearly all such boats are sent back by the police or military.

Thomas Kilpper had the idea to build a lighthouse for Lampedusa whose bright beam of light not only became a symbol of welcome, but also would provide orientation, to help save the lives of those refugees that try to reach the island. For several years Kilpper advocated the construction of such lighthouse, together with the architects, engineers and local residents. This lighthouse could also be a cultural centre for the inhabitants of Lampedusa and for visitors to the island.

In preparation of the project Kilpper remained on the island to liaise with local residents and at the same time to build a model from fragments of the boat immigrants. He documented photos and video of the landing of the immigrants, the boat cemetery, the daily life on Lampedusa, as well as interviews with migrants, local authorities and inhabitants of the island. The project depends on local and international support.// Global activism. Art and conflict in the 21st century. Ed. by P. Weibel. P. 606-609. Translated By E. Zubchenko.

In Russian about the artist can be read here.