Lonely Chairs

“Lonely Chairs” is a photographic and philosophical exploration that captures the solitary presence of abandoned or unexpectedly placed chairs around Berlin and other parts of the world. This project goes beyond simple documentation of these everyday objects; it seeks to delve into the emotional and spiritual meaning that a solitary chair can convey.

Meaning of a Solitary Chair:

For me, a solitary chair is a symbol of introspection and solitude, but also of hope and possibility. It represents a frozen moment in time, a space reserved for reflection or waiting. Each chair has its own implicit story; its existence in a desolate place or out of context invites observers to imagine who sat there, what thoughts occupied their mind, and why the chair was left behind. In this sense, the solitary chair becomes a mirror of our own experiences of isolation and community, abandonment and encounter.

Lonely Chair in Morocco

Chairs in the Streets of Berlin and the World:

As I walk through the streets of Berlin and other cities, I find chairs in the most unusual situations: on a forgotten corner, in front of colorful graffiti, or in the middle of an empty park. Each of these chairs, with its unique context, adds a distinctive layer to the project. Berlin, with its rich history and vibrant urban culture, provides a particularly evocative setting for these images. But the essence of a solitary chair is universal, and each city adds its own nuance and narrative to the collection.

Spiritual Meaning:

Spiritually, solitary chairs evoke a sense of both presence and absence simultaneously. They are empty places that call us to fill their void with our thoughts and emotions. In the silence of an unoccupied chair, there is an invitation to contemplation, to connect with the invisible and the intangible. Solitary chairs can represent a meditation altar, a momentary refuge from the hustle of the world, or a reminder of the transience of our lives and interactions.

In the context of the “Lonely Chairs” project, these images become a mosaic of introspective moments, each inviting the viewer to pause, reflect on solitude and connection, and find meaning in the seemingly mundane.