YOU ARE (NOT) THE ONLY ONE

Site-specific installation, Bonn, 2017

In the Catholic Church of St. Sebastian in Bonn, the neon lettering you are (not) the only one is mounted on a vaulted pillar in front of the chancel. The word »not« alternately lights up and goes dark, making the phrases »you are not the only one« and »you are the only one« visible in turn. Outside the church, a red and a blue flag, each bearing the word »doubt«, were flying.

Positioned within the sacred space between the altar, cross, baptismal font, and seated congregation, the neon lettering raises the question of whether there can be only one true God. Professing one's faith does not mean being free of doubt or following blindly, but rather involves critically reflecting on religion. The installation also addresses tolerance towards other religions, as well as questions of solidarity and sustainable forms of coexistence.

At the same time, »you are the only one« refers to a familiar phrase in romantic pop culture. The ideal of one enduring love is juxtaposed with the social realities of successive relationships and changing models of partnership.