Time is Topological
Time is Topological is a multi-layered work by Svenja Kratz that draws on the philosophical ideas of Michel Serres, specifically his concept of time as a non-linear, topological entity where past, present, and future are interwoven. This piece features a series of ticking clocks set within an anatomical and symbolic environment, including reproductive organs and menstrual blood, as well as references to historical medical texts. These elements evoke a cyclical, rather than linear, view of time, emphasising recurring themes and cultural constructs around femininity, fertility, and motherhood.
Serres' notion of "folded" time—where different moments in history overlap and intersect—serves as a conceptual framework for Time is Topological. The piece reflects how cultural narratives and anxieties about female sexuality and reproduction echo through time, shaped by religious, medical, and societal discourses. Kratz uses these materials to question how historical ideologies persist and influence contemporary perspectives, ultimately inviting viewers to consider time as a complex, multi-layered experience rather than a straightforward progression.
The work was exhibited as part of Mourning Story at The Rosy Barn Gallery, Tasmania in 2020.
PROJECT DETAILS:
Svenja Kratz, Time is Topological, 2020. Mixed Media: Repurposed Clocks, Bleeding Table, Augmented Anatomical Models and Terrarium.