Artist ShuShu Sieberns Explores Love and Duality in 'Young Human' Exhibition at Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam
Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam invites visitors to delve into "Young Human," an impactful exhibition by artist ShuShu Sieberns. This collection explores themes of intergenerational love, queer identity, grief, and cultural duality through a series of poignant films. A recent interview with Foam curator Claartje van Dijk provides an in-depth look at Sieberns' creative journey and the deeply personal narratives woven into the work on display at the Amsterdam institution.
Journey Through Connection and Memory
The exhibition features three distinct films that, when viewed together, create a continuous narrative arc. Sieberns describes them as individual pieces that engage in conversation, each offering a unique energy and story while contributing to a larger understanding of the human experience.
The first film, "Under the Apple Tree," is a 10-minute video made in 2021. It offers an intimate glimpse into the artist's relationship with her grandmother, whom she was able to visit after a long separation. This film, which ShuShu refers to as a "window" framing their tenderness and love, serves as the emotional foundation for the entire exhibition. It captures conversations about dreams, physical connection, and the unique bond between an older and younger generation, prompting viewers to reflect on their own family relationships.
Following this is "Young Human," ShuShu's graduation project from 2023. This film recounts a pivotal moment when the artist decided to introduce her queer partner to her grandmother, navigating cultural differences and the desire to share her love story fully. The title originates from "Molodoi Chelovek" (молодой человек), a Russian phrase meaning "young human," which allowed Sieberns to communicate her love in a way her grandmother could understand, even if through a heteronormative lens. It explores the complexities of sharing one's true self while being adored.
The series culminates with "An Empty Bed, a Dark Window (Mémoir)," created in September 2023, shortly after the artist's grandmother passed away. Unable to attend the funeral in Russia, ShuShu participated in a traditional Orthodox memorial forty days later. This film is a visual poem reflecting on grief, mourning, the physical absence of love, and the act of attempting to let go. Chronologically, these three films collectively form a profound exploration of the cycle of life, youth, aging, and the fluid nature of time.
Embracing Layers: Cultural and Personal Duality
ShuShu Sieberns, born in Germany in 2001, carries a blend of German and Russian heritage, having spent summers at her grandmother’s home in Russia. This upbringing fostered a deep understanding of duality—East and West, queer and non-queer, grief and joy—which she views not as a split but as layered components forming a single, complex picture. For more articles and insights from Foam, interested readers can explore their online collection.
This concept is vividly illustrated by an accidental technical glitch during the making of "Under the Apple Tree." A camera malfunction resulted in double-exposed film, perfectly aligning portraits of her grandmother with those of her queer community and friends in Amsterdam. This serendipitous outcome created a visual metaphor for how different timelines and identities merge, reflecting the nuanced way Sieberns perceives her own layered existence.
The exhibition "Young Human" at Foam aims to bridge different worlds, showcasing how queer identity and traditional Russian family values can coexist. It sensitively explores the internal conflicts the artist experiences in the relationship between her deeply religious grandmother and her partner, inviting viewers to engage with these themes and create their own connections. More information about ShuShu Sieberns' background is available here, and further details on the 'Young Human' exhibition can be found on the Foam website.
This thought-provoking exhibition at Foam Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam offers a unique perspective on universal human experiences. To discover more cultural experiences, visit Musemap (musemap.art) and explore other inspiring museums in the city. You can also use our map view to plan your next cultural adventure.
