2025
Freiburg
Public art project in the Gutleutmatten living area

Interweaving Identities is a project by Igor Ponosov in Gutleutmatten, a new district of Freiburg, Germany. The project consists of 10 flag-like banners based on the artist’s visual research and his dialogue with local residents.  

Using the district’s technical map, the artist developed his own matrix-map, which served as a compositional framework for each flag. Color schemes found in the area formed the basis of the visual designs, while symbolic landmarks with precise building coordinates added topographic specificity. During the project, Ponosov collected statements from residents—their words also became part of the flags’ visual language.  

Gutleutmatten is split into two parts—West and East (Westen and Osten in German)—by a major road. The flags act as a signaling system, visually connecting these divided spaces. Blending into the surroundings, the project incorporates elements of wayfinding, but its true aim is exploring the district’s identity through conversations with its inhabitants.  

After the exhibition, all banners will be repurposed into bags and distributed among locals. This way, a fragment of public space transforms into something personal, weaving the district’s new identity into the everyday lives of its residents. 

10 PVC Blockout Premium banners, 80 x 150 cm each.
Curation by Hanna Weber, thanks for assistance and pictures to Marc Doradzillo.
Commissioned with Kulturamt Freiburg.