Unfixed Galaxies, 2018-2024 (framed)

Unfixed analogue photographic prints, framed behind red glass.

Version 2024:

For the work Unfixed Galaxies Bekirović asked the cleaners of the Stedelijk Museum to save the dust from their vacuum cleaner bags. She placed this dust on a large sheet of photographic paper in a dark room. The paper was then exposed, developed, but not fixed. As a consequence the images remain light-sensitive, meaning that they will disappear completely if exposed to daylight for any length of time. This process of light exposure is slowed by displaying the photograph behind red plexiglass. Red light does not affect the photographic process. Although, eventually, the image will fade away.
Bekirović sees the vacuum cleaner dust as a gathering of visitors, employees, and artworks. The dust largely consists of skin cells and small particles of art, after all. By developing and not fixing the prints, Bekirović emphasizes the transience of both people and
artworks.

Circulate Stedelijk Museum 2024

Thanks to the Stedelijk cleaning team ( especially Kezban Guler, starring in the picture)

The team of Profilex, framing the Unfixed Galaxies in the darkroom turned studio.

Version 2018:

A photogram is developed but purposely left unfixed, so the print remains sensitive to light. By covering the print with red glass (red light doesn’t influence the photographic process), it is kept from dissolving into nothingness.