ART PORTFOLIO
CATHARINA ALIDE MEIER
ARCHITECTURE BIENNALE
HOME FOR MY MOTHER
During the Biennale Architecture College in 2023, I worked on the project of a house for my mother in Africa, exploring and presenting different aspects around my African identity. The narratives that emerged from this project relate to themes of family heritage, identity, genealogy, ancestors, but also the transmission of craftsmanship long forgotten and erased by the years of colonization. Working on this project in this unit has taught me to trust the process and use different tools than usual for communicating ideas such as video montage.
PRESENTATION OF THE PROJECT MOVIE
EXHIBITION
„ARCHITECTURE DISCRIMINATES“
The exhibition „Architecture discriminates“ at the TU Munich by the Chair of Unlearning offers space for reflection and new approaches in architectural design. The exhibited graphic work, which was created for the organization Black Creative Builders, contributes to the exhibition to create awareness for discrimination in architecture and calls for rethinking and changing these structures.
PICTURES OF THE EXHIBITION BY VERENA BAUER
DESIGN GLASS TABLES
This tables is made from fashion, design and architecture magazines, an old wooden boxe and two glass plates. It can be assembled in a variety of ways according to the needs of its users. The height of the table can easily be adjusted depending on the number of magazines used. The table can even become larger by putting both glass plates next to another and the same number of magazines underneath both plates. The magazines that are left could be used as, for example, a bedside table. Visitors can appreciate the table and often grab a magazine that they find interesting from underneath the glass. This furniture can be easily reproduced, is quite flexible and can be extended to suit everyone’s needs.
DESIGN
UPCYCLED SUN LOUNGERS
These two sun loungers were restored through a careful process of repair and transformation. The original fabric, damaged by time and use, was replaced with vibrant African print textiles that bring new life and character to each piece. The new fabric was sewn directly onto the existing frames, preserving their original structure while adding a fresh, contemporary layer. Through this simple intervention, the loungers become both functional and expressive while carrying traces of their past while embracing a bold new aesthetic.
BLACK WOMXN IN BERLIN
Black womxn in Berlin were photographed to capture their unique perspective. The portraits show the strength and beauty of these womxn, but also the difficulties they face in a society characterized by racism and sexism, among other things. Through the photographs, the strengths are shown, the stories are sharpened, and the voices of these Black womxn are being heard.
BLACK WOMXN IN THE WOODS
BLACK WOMXN AT HOME
BLACK WOMXN IN THE FOREST
Black Creative Builders (BCB) is a network for black professionals in the fields of architecture, planning, construction, interior design, landscape design, and urban design. BCB promotes diversity in the building industry and advocates for social justice, equity, and sustainability. BCB‘s branding and graphic design efforts aim to reflect the network‘s mission and values and effectively communicate its message.
TOTEBAG DESIGN T-SHIRT
INSTAGRAM PAGE DESIGN
VISUAL ARTS PROJECT „GIANT
COWRIE“
As part of this artistic project, a giant cowrie shell was designed to symbolize the richness and symbolism of the cowrie shell in African cultures.
The cowrie shell, a sacred shell, has been used for millennia in various African cultures as a representation of prosperity, fertility and protection. A symbol of divinity and spirituality, the cowrie shell is also used as a currency of exchange and as an object of power in many traditional practices.
The creation of this giant cowrie is testimony to the importance of this object in African traditions, and to its rich symbolism within these ancient and authentic cultures.
PICTURES
VISUAL ARTS
PROJECT „LIMIT AND INFINTY“
The project „Hands to the sky“ is an installation made with the help of plaster hands reaching to the sky. The art project is intended to create a connection between people, dreams and the sky and symbolize the longing for something greater.
PICTURES
PROJECT „PORTRAIT OF A BLACK WOMXN“
PROJECT „A LOOK INTO THE PAST“
PROJECT „THE WAITING“