Expanded Field I – Migrating the Colour Fields at Kunstraum MITTE37
An Evening When Chicago and Burgdorf Drew Closer
The finissage of Expanded Field I – Migrating the Colour Fields at Kunstraum MITTE37 on 25 June became a memorable highlight of the transatlantic symposium The Ocean Between. From the very first welcome by Kunstraum initiator Susanne Schumacher, it was clear that this evening would be more than a traditional exhibition closing. It unfolded as a space of encounter, exchange, and artistic resonance between Chicago, Burgdorf, and Hannover.
A Reunion — and an Evening Filled With Energy
Symposium founder Marianna Buchwald opened the program by introducing the artists whose works and performances shaped the exhibition:
Amy Hanks, Daniela Castro, Judith Meyer, Kao Ra Zen, Kathryn Hempel, Kevin B. Chatham, Rychard Syska, Lori Kaplan, Marianna Buchwald, Sarah W. Holmes, Beate Axmann, and Takako.
A particularly warm moment was the reunion with Lori Kaplan. Her vibrant works had already captivated visitors at the opening. She spoke about her affection for Burgdorf — its houses, its atmosphere, its people. On her very first visit, she had taken photographs to share the spirit of this place with friends back in Chicago.
A Room Becomes a Cinema — and Chicago Begins to Speak
The association Bürger für Bürger e. V. transformed its space into a small, lovingly arranged cinema for the evening. Helmut Windolph created a welcoming atmosphere, while Kristin Heike from the Hannover-based association Krass Unartig e. V. ensured precise sound and technical clarity.
Documentary photographer Simon Parfrement, known for his work on subcultures in Manchester, accompanied the event with his camera.
And in a spontaneous musical gesture, Friedrich Schumacher offered a short accordion medley — a nod to regional Schützenfest traditions that delighted the audience.
“Dislocation” by Group 312 Films
Artists Kevin B. Chatham and Rychard Syska presented their film series Dislocation and shared insights into the work of Group 312 Films, Chicago’s experimental video collective. They described their monthly rhythm of producing new short films, experimenting together, and inspiring one another.
Their joy was unmistakable as they spoke about the openness and attentiveness of audiences in Burgdorf and Hannover. It was a moment that revealed how directly film can connect people across continents.
Another highlight was the performance by Kao Ra Zen. With warmth and immediacy, he created an instant bond with the audience. His performance was light, powerful, and deeply personal.
He presented three pieces: a spoken‑word interpretation of Imagine; a poetic reflection on identity, change, and social tension shaped during the first Trump administration and influenced by his own experiences working in a Trump‑affiliated company and an energetic rap/spoken‑word medley that set the room in motion
For many visitors, this was the moment when Chicago and Burgdorf met at eye level — human, direct, and full of joy.
Conversations That Carried Into the Night
Moderators Lars Schumacher and Marianna Buchwald wove together the conversations between artists and audience, creating a wide-ranging dialogue that continued until the last bus to Hannover departed.
The timing of the finissage — intentionally set on the day of the Burgdorf Schützenfest parade — proved to be a stroke of luck. The American guests were delighted by the decorated Marktstraße, the music of the marching bands, and the festive atmosphere of the procession.
A Space Where the Ocean Between Becomes a Bridge
The evening demonstrated what defines MITTE37: a place where art is not only shown but shared, discussed, and experienced together. A space where the Ocean Between becomes an element of connection rather than separation.
On this evening, Chicago and Burgdorf moved perceptibly closer — through art, conversation, music, film, and the joy of shared experience.
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