Salome Erni

Heimatkunde Rottal

book
@Photography KABK

Who has the authority to speak about the past and present of a place? In many European villages, it is typically a group of retired or nearly-retired men who have been living in the area for decades. Consequently, what is shared, what is preserved in libraries, and what is passed down to future generations represents the perspectives of a few.

„Heimatkunde Rottal“ mimics a local history publication featuring multiple stories about Rottal. The book constructs a fictional space using images sourced from various internet platforms by searching for the term „Rottal.“ The book unveils that the identity and history of a place are constructed, forming a narrative in which both the authors and the audience play significant roles.