Blood parasites such as the pathogens that cause malaria and sleeping sickness have been witnesses to human history and evolution for thousands of years. The relationship between humans and parasites therefore serves as a valuable archive for numerous events including migration, racism, colonisation, exploitation and emancipation.

the blood letters is the second part of the trilogy “parasite archives”, a performative, immersive exhibition in which a scientific team examines and deciphers the correspondence between blood parasites and humans in a research laboratory.

the blood letters are letters from parasites to their hosts and to the scientists who have attempted to eradicate them. They are letters from parasites to fascists and TERFs who use the term ‘parasite’ to describe minorities and thereby legitimise their persecution and oppression. Letters that document how humans exercise and abuse their power. Letters that were ignored, destroyed and never read or answered.

The exhibition includes several installations, sculptural works, literary work, paintings and illustrations as well as soundscapes generated from parasitic molecules using protein music. Two performances took place in form of deconstructed lectures and readings of blood letters.

Concept, Artistic Work & Performance: Joëlle Mesén-Ramírez
Sound Design: Maya Herrmann (aka keos)
Set Design & Performance: Sylvester Röpcke
Performance: Joy Bolaños
Lighting Design: Peng Zchei

Fotos: Jonas Mannherz