Ich spreche Funk
I Speak Radio
Audio
Multimedia Installation,
on view at ZAK Berlin
commissioned for „HAUT | SKIN“,
curated by Katharina Koch & Julie August
From 1926 on, a multitude of writings were published in which women* described their activities as radio producers. But one of these articles is radically titled: "Ich spreche Funk" ("I speak radio"). It is written by a female* radio producer from Berlin.
In Berlin, women* groups had also been established in the workers' radio clubs. They exchanged knowledge and tools for the self-construction of radio receivers and transmitters. Those DIY fanatics would listen to the radio at their clubs, using their own equipment, for the pleasure of experimenting with technology.
However, in the grand scheme of radio historiography, the more feminine ears, voices, and soldering irons have been absent. Bromley retraces their presence through visual and auditory constellations of archival material.
In Berlin, women* groups had also been established in the workers' radio clubs. They exchanged knowledge and tools for the self-construction of radio receivers and transmitters. Those DIY fanatics would listen to the radio at their clubs, using their own equipment, for the pleasure of experimenting with technology.
However, in the grand scheme of radio historiography, the more feminine ears, voices, and soldering irons have been absent. Bromley retraces their presence through visual and auditory constellations of archival material.
Ich spreche Funk, pigment drawing on inkjet print. Foto: Arne Reinhardt. Anna Bromley & VG Bild, 2023.
Alts Bastelpost Nr. 1, a magazine for radio amateurs in Berlin, ca. 1924/25 providing manuals for do-it-yourself radio receivers, as well as transmitters.
Archive of the artist, 2023.
Material
Framed pigment print, color pigment pencil, pigments, 61 x 62 cm; framed customers' newsletter of Radio Arlt & Co. KG, Berlin Charlottenburg, an original historic catalog, ca. 1925, 22 x 15 cm; archival folder on wooden table, containing a glazed pigment print on baryta, 30 x 25.4 cm; a heliograph, 22 x 14 cm; open book, Walter Benjamin, Aufklärung für Kinder - Rundfunkvorträge, published by Suhrkamp Frankfurt, 1985; an audio essay, 29 minutes.
Credits
Commissioned by Frauenmuseum / Alpha-Nova-Gallery Berlin / ZAK – Center for Contemporary Art Berlin for the exhibition: Haut: Hülle, Organ, Archiv.
Research assistance: Michael Fesca
Recording studio: BBK Medienwerkstatt Berlin, Manfred Miersch
Sound editing: Michael Fesca
Woodwork: Michael Fesca
Prints: Termindruck Berlin (pigment prints), BBK Print Workshop, Gloria Alonso (heliogravure)
Frames: Kunst und Rahmen Alexandra Erlhoff
Photography: Arne Reinhardt
Special thanks to Katharina Koch and Julie August who curated the exhibition HAUT: Hülle, Organ, Archiv.
Research assistance: Michael Fesca
Recording studio: BBK Medienwerkstatt Berlin, Manfred Miersch
Sound editing: Michael Fesca
Woodwork: Michael Fesca
Prints: Termindruck Berlin (pigment prints), BBK Print Workshop, Gloria Alonso (heliogravure)
Frames: Kunst und Rahmen Alexandra Erlhoff
Photography: Arne Reinhardt
Special thanks to Katharina Koch and Julie August who curated the exhibition HAUT: Hülle, Organ, Archiv.
