The interdisciplinary art exhibition "In Between" is currently showcasing works by seven artists at the Johanniskirche (St. John's Church) in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany, running through September 28. Among the featured artists are two students from the Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences (THB), Ella Danay and Vincent Paul, who are presenting interactive installations created during their Master's program in Digital Media.
The student artists are exploring complex themes including schizophrenia and human relationships through their multimedia works. Their installations tackle mental health awareness and the delicate nature of interpersonal connections, using cutting-edge technology to create immersive experiences for visitors.
Upon entering the historic Johanniskirche, visitors are immediately drawn to Ella Danay's striking installation titled "Inter-." The artwork consists of 14 colored fabric strips suspended from the ceiling, each measuring nearly 60 feet in length. "We needed five people and a lift to install the piece," Danay explained. The work explores the intimacy and vulnerability of human relationships, with each fabric strip representing a distinct personality. When touched or influenced by external factors, the fabrics interact with one another, symbolizing the dynamic yet fragile web of human connections.
Vincent Paul's installation "Split Realities" also focuses on proximity and distance, but from a different perspective. His work visualizes the emotional turmoil and tension that many people with schizophrenia experience in social and unfamiliar situations. The installation features a projection onto a styrofoam sphere, combined with various sound variations designed to reflect inner emotional states. "The closer you get to the sphere, the more restless the interplay between projection and sounds becomes. A sensor captures the movements of visitors," Paul explained. His work is complemented by information provided on a tablet, aimed at helping people better understand schizophrenia and fostering empathy for those affected by the condition. Paul has previously presented this installation at the International Student Film Festival Sehsüchte in Potsdam.
Danay presents a second work in the "In Between" exhibition called "Unusual Perceptions," which employs a similar interactive approach. This piece serves as an interactive translation of the lesser-known schizotypal personality disorder, whose symptoms manifest as either emotional coldness or eccentric behavior depending on the situation. Like Paul's work, this multimedia installation responds to visitors' positions. From a distance, it displays a restless, color-intensive, and expressive image that embodies eccentricity. As visitors approach, the movement calms and colors cool down, serving as a metaphor for withdrawal and isolation. The visual presentation is accompanied by electronic piano sounds that Danay recorded herself.
The connection between the two THB students and exhibition organizer Melanie Ballerstein from Atelier BareMünze came through Professor Jessica Broscheit, who teaches Digital Media with a focus on Media Design. Broscheit invited Ballerstein to attend the final presentations of her "Creative Coding" course, where students were tasked with creating interactive representations of personality disorders.
For both THB students, displaying their works within the historic walls of the Johanniskirche represents a special honor. "This is a very cool backdrop," said Vincent Paul. Ella Danay added, "This is all very exciting – the space itself is already a work of art." Both students have a strong interest in art but limited experience exhibiting their own work. "I'm still getting used to being called an artist," Danay admitted.
The "In Between" exhibition remains open for viewing through September 28, with visiting hours from Thursday through Sunday, 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The unique combination of contemporary digital art within the historic church setting offers visitors an opportunity to experience how modern technology can address timeless human experiences and mental health awareness in an unprecedented artistic context.
