Liz Crossley
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In late autumn 2008 my exhibition Umbra Sumus was on show at artSPACE berlin in Berlin-Mitte.

The exhibition combined works on paper (paintings and drawings) with light installations, video and sound as well as performative and participatory elements that explored themes such as "the basics of life and survival, departure and migration, flight and refuge" (Dr. Irene Below).

During the opening Detlef Grobba played music related to the theme on one of the quintessential instruments of people on the move, the harmonica. Sabine Selle read from ''Butterfly Blues'' by Henning Mankell.

The quotes on the blackboard changed throughout the exhibition and the visitors were invited to participate through adding their own thoughts or ideas and chosing leaflets with quotes on migration and "free passes to the world" to take home.

The rubber ducks were thank you presents for people involved in the exhibition. They symbolize the issue of migration and free travel as they were inspired by the accident of a container ship from Hong Kong that lost its cargo - rubber ducks. The ducks were later found all along the coast of Alaska.