Dåsiga
Freistadt, 2020

Freistadt is located in Upper Austria with a population of 8000 inhabitants. Encircled by the original fortification walls and towers, this brewing town has retained its mediaeval features and narrow alleys in the historic centre. Here, traditions and customs have been maintained across generations and throughout all classes of society.  The ‘Bürgerkorps’ (citizen corps) and the ‘Goldhauben- und Kopftuchgruppe’ (gold bonnet and headscarf group) are specific cultural elements of local identity. Founded centuries ago in bourgeois circles, they were revived in the second half of the last century. Their headdresses are handmade and valuable components of festive costumes or uniforms that are worn both on special ecclesiastical and secular occasions. Nowadays these traditional societies have a representative function and are committed to charitable activities. 

This project was developed as part of an artist residency with Prager Fotoschule and Lions Club Freistadt and resulted in the group exhibition Freistadt im Blick. A detailed portfolio is available on request.