Salamandra salamandra

An allegory of fire, a powerful and mystical creature, turnes into an extremely vulnerable animal.

According to Aristotle the Salamandra can walk through the fire and control it. The myth of the fire salamander remained for centuries: In medieval times one would throw them into burning houses hoping they would extinguish the fire. Due to its universal name and unique appearance the salamander was chosen as an icon for the famous german shoe brand "Salamander". As an advertisement campaign "Lurchi", a salamander wearing shoes, became very popular in western Germany from the 1960ies until the 1980ies.

In contrast to the myths the fire salamander prefers cold habitats and would only leave its hideouts on rainy days. Recently a fungal infection called BSAL, which is transmitted through tyres and shoe soles, is currently leading to a mass extinction of salamanders that might lead to their extinction. The desinfection of shoes is highly recommended before entering affected habitat.

The Installation Salamandra salamandra explores the contradictory nature of stories, translations and appropriations in relation to the fire salamander.

Realised in the context of @bauhaus_public_art in collaboration with @bauhausmuseum in summer 2022.