Stefanie Reichelt in Habitus (Berlin)

It is a common sight in Japan to see men and women sitting on a flat surface, usually on a tatami mat or on small pillows or low stools. The Japanese posture displays the body differently from how we present ourselves in the West. Almost the whole body is visible with an open view of the angle of the shoulders, the curve of the spine and the position of the feet. In our western tradition, in contrast, much of our body is hidden as we curl into the chair or the sofa and lean into cushions and arm rests.

Our sitting postures speak of many things, not only of our personality and how we relate to our body, but also of our larger history, cultural bearings and way of life. Our traditions are woven into our postures.

Runs 6 February – 31 March 2015
Private View 6th February, 7pm