Kane Stonestreet during "Ilsede welcomes the world"

Kane Stonestreet's long durational performance during "Die Welt zu Gast in Ilsede" (Ilsede welcomes the world). 

@kanestonestreet from the United Kingdom is one of the three performance artists who, for the first time in September 2023, brought breathtaking yet enigmatic art to our school. The audience's reactions were contradictory. "It was totally cool, she has my respect." "I've never seen anything like this. I find it weird!"

The trigger for this controversy lies in Kane Stonestreet's way of presenting themselves. Together, the audience went outside to the school garden, which has its own unique atmosphere. The greenery of the trees and bushes makes one deeply feel all emotions. Silence fell, and tension was high. The audience didn't know what to expect, so they simply gazed with questioning looks. Kane appeared, shining on the silver stairs. She was barely visible, hindered by the towering trees. Yet, all attention was on her. Everyone looked up at her because no one wanted to miss a thing. Her personality disappeared into her performance. Every passing second enchanted the outside space we were in, turning it into an internal, intimate space. Describing it in words is neither easy nor difficult. It's balanced, just like her performance. I observe without fully understanding. Time passed slowly, and although my thoughts were with her, I was simultaneously deeply relaxed. The gazes of the other spectators mirrored the calmness that Kane brought to us. With each passing minute, a stronger connection to the audience was felt, intensifying with every glance exchanged. It was as if we were all holding our breath. She gifted us a moment of tranquility.

Text by Dalaa Salameh (GGI student)

   

   

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

Photo by Ilka Theurich