How to Become an Island? (2022)

An on-site laboratory to explore performative ways of ecosocial agency.

commissioned by
Novi Sad Cultural Capital 2022

part of
The Danube Sea

scientific advisors and experts
Hans-Martin Berg (NHM, Bird Collection)
Georg Frank (DanubeParks)
Matthias Schmidt (Bird Life)
Gertrude Haidvogel (BOKU)
Brigitte Schmidt (BOKU)
Hubert Keckeis (University of Vienna)

supported by
INTRA program (University of Applied Arts Vienna)
BMKÖS, Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, Civil Service and Sport
Bildrecht GmbH
Austrian Cultural Forum Belgrade

press
Oblakoder (Interview and article)
Before After
Kultur Steiermark (Interview mention)

© VLADIMIR JANIC

What would it mean to provide our bodies to the survival and needs of another species? Hovering between distant curiosity and radical affection the Danube Transformation Agency for Agency (DTAFA) opened their bodies and hearts to a small Danubian bird species: the Little Ringed Plover.

For decades the Danubian river banks were shaped for the needs of humans alone. The loss of habitats made the birds’ population decline. By proposing to provide your body parts as breeding ground to the bird, DTAFA asks which role the individual could take in an age of man-made ecological change. A series of physical and mental training units will give visitors a taste of what it takes to become an island and give all you have to a single bird species.

Within the 10-day program beachgoers were invited to get to know the bird better. Next to learning how to build a suitable breeding ground on top of their bodies, there was the chance to read out love letters to the bird in front of the beach audience and to sing along to some special Karaoke versions in order to express affection for the Little Ringed Plover.

© VLADIMIR JANIC

A WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT BECOMING AN ISLAND ON THE BEACH IN NOVI SAD WAITING FOR A LITTLE RINGED PLOVER TO APPROACH