THE BREXIT TREE

Screening @ GBB x Havarie

18.-23.09.22 Piraten Kanal Kassel + Online Channel

“The Brexit Tree” will be screened on Piraten Kanal Kassel’s program in the exhibition “A Many Headed Hydra” on the Havarie boat in Kassel, coninciding with the last days of documenta.

The film is also available for 5 days on the Online Channel

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Jan Martinec & Clemens Wilhelm

THE BREXIT TREE
Documentary
80 min | 2021

Planting a Weeping Willow on Brexit Day in Scotland

On Brexit Day, a Weeping Willow is planted in the rural town of Huntly, Scotland. This Brexit Tree is a communal art project which causes quite a controversy in the media as well as in the town. 75 national newspapers pick up the story which triggers a long social media debate. Initiated by Deveron Projects and visiting artist Clemens Wilhelm (Berlin) the project dives into the depths of the Brexit conflict. Just like Brexit itself, the planting is postponed three times, and the year-long process mirrors the divisions, troubles and hopes in the Pre-Brexit era. This paradoxical Weeping Willow symbolizes loss and sorrow, but also healing and rebirth. Since the Middle Ages, Weeping Willows are associated with loss and sorrow in Europe, but in China, where these trees originated, they are seen as trees of youth, strength and regeneration. Willows in general are seen as healing trees in many cultures, as their bark contains the basis for Aspirin. Will the Remainers and Brexiteers welcome this Brexit Tree on the banks of the River Deveron? This film follows the fault lines that run through Huntly which appears as a miniature UK. Huntly residents voice their views on Brexit and Scottish independence. What is the role of social media in Brexit? What does the future hold for Huntly? Will the Brexit Tree survive?

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