HEAVY METALS – the Stones of Mitrovica is the first project of a longterm research series by Philine Rinnert about raw materials.
The Trepça mine in Mitrovica, Kosovo, was the largest lead, zinc and silver ore mine in Europe and one of the largest companies in former Yugoslavia. As a result of the civil war in 1999 and the ongoing conflicts over ownership, the mining complex is now in a desolate state, which has immense potential but has so far been ignored by serious investors for countless reasons.
In collaboration with the local art organisation 7Arte, residents of the town and geologists from the mine, the project explores and highlights the identity of the stones found in Trepça and traces their memories carved into the ground around the town of Mitrovica.
For HEAVY METALS, Philine Rinnert collaborates with Swiss artisan Daniel Heer, bringing together the material, the craft, the space and the social and local connections. They open a participatory space for the public to share and exchange stories, stones and resources.
OPENING CEREMONY
13th September, City Museum Mitrovica, Kosovo
A collaboration of Philine Rinnert and 7Arte, funded by the European Union and the Goethe-Institut, with the support of the German Embassy and the City Museum Mitrovica.