Window Gallery: Die Hexe

DIE HEXE is a large-scale paper-cut installation that explores post-war German-Canadian culture through the use of the occult and folk rituals. Drawing inspiration from folk practices from Eastern Europe, Germany and Great Britain (areas of Europe my ancestors are from), Die Hexe examines the role of self-determination versus fate in cultural identity and the use of ritual and practice to both form and negate it. Floating, layered paper-cut figures and scenery feature a mysterious veiled witch performing a spell in the Black Forest on the night of the Winter Solstice. Power is given to the individual (women, in particular) through rediscovering these ancient rituals, and ultimately it is up to the viewer to decide what the witch is asking for and whether or not she will receive it.

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JESS RICHTER is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Regina, SK. Her current body of work is an exploration of cultural identity through the lens of post-war German-Canadian experiences and is influenced by traditional folk practices of Eastern Europe and the UK. Incorporating sculpture, paper-cuts, and printmaking, she weaves together aspects of non-conforming folk/occult practices and reasserts their importance in forming and negotiating cultural identity in contemporary, colonial Canada. Her most recent project is The Haus Project, a site specific installation in an abandoned farmhouse that garnered significant attention. She holds an MFA from the University of Regina.