Anna Schütten

Anna Schütten works at the intersection of visual and acoustic art. In addition to exhibitions and performances, her artistic practice consists of interdisciplinary and cooperative approaches, for example with grapefruits zine, Simultanhalle Köln, and 2026 together with Kriz Olbricht in the exhibition project „Muschelblume und Blei“ close to the river Erft. She has been artist-in-residence at Global Forest e. V. in St. Georgen and AIR Krems, Austria, and received research grants from the city of Cologne as well as project fundings by Stiftung Kunstfonds and Kunststiftung NRW.

I play with space as if it were an instrument. Using microphones and recording equipment, I listen to places, capturing what lies beneath their surfaces or beyond our awareness. The movement of my recording hand results in varying rhythms and sounds. By transforming my sound recordings, I create site specific installations and sound performances, which focus on acoustic curiosities and the marginally perceptible on site.

During my research stay at the Raketenstation Neuss, and in close proximity to their guiding principle of “Kunst und Natur,” I want to examine what kind of nature we are referring to in this dense web of industrial, agricultural, recreational, and cultural interests. I wonder whether our understanding of “Art and Nature” has changed in light of droughts, wildfires, and other accelerating environmental changes? During the two month residency I search for sonic patterns arising from energy processes such as photosynthesis, solar panels, or wind turbines. Moreover, I will listen to the architectural sculptures of Stiftung Insel Hombroich and its surrounding landscape to explore their musical qualities and translate them into sonic installations.