Hagazussa

Hagazussa 23.09.22 - 07.10.22 The second exhibition by Kruger, takes its name from the gothic horror film Hagazussa, the word itself meaning ‘witch’ in high German. The film, shot in the romantic landscape of the Alps in the 15th century, follows the life of Albrun, a young goat herder who becomes a pariah after her mother's death and is subsequently abused by society in various ways. This leads Albrun to exact vengeance in her own subtle ways, forage for herbs and psychedelics, and later consorting with a demonic entity. The film rejects the traditional and exaggerated cinematic traits of depicting women and witches as evil, monstrous beings. Instead, Hagazussa shows us the horror of society, its demonisation of women and Albrun’s reclamation of her womanhood and her surroundings. The same reclamation can be found within the exhibition with nods towards feminist occult practice, female jouissance and neo-mystic symbolism. How do we internalise the natural world and birth an expression of the female essence that resides within nature's chaos. You were invited here by the jester incarnate for a communal rite, masquerading as an art show. Her works are intimate, whispering secrets and heretic folk tales with veiled meanings. Whether its painting in human blood or besmirching bible quotes, we hope to create a subtle blasphemy and sully this white with Hagazussa’s colours. - Kruger, 2022