Flowing secrets. Practice-led research on water springs in Switzerland

Abstract

This master’s thesis is dedicated to the topic of water springs and their importance for us humans. Water springs have a huge importance as they feed us, rivers, lakes and oceans and thus form the basis of our lives. Yet we know surprisingly little about them, and only a quarter of the population in Switzerland has ever seen or consciously perceived a natural water spring. This work aims to use visual communication to renew and expand our relationship with water springs. It is about appreciating and making us aware of the importance and value of water as a vital element. In a western world where water is often taken for granted, it is even more important to highlight the special nature of water springs. In this thesis the visual communication has the task of bringing water springs closer to people and making them aware of how much water affects our lives. Through the use of photography and videography the aim is to create an installation that establishes a connection between people and nature. The diversity of water springs is the focus of the work. Through an installation in the room, the viewer is surrounded by water springs, guided by the sound of the water. On my numerous hikes in the Swiss mountains and the Jura, I went in search of water springs and filmed and photographed them. In the process, not only was the interest in the water springs themselves great, but also in their usage. Sometimes they were completely undiscovered and untouched, while others were heavily frequented by tourists. In the end, my attention was drawn to five water springs that showed a remarkable diversity. The theoretical part examines the importance of water springs from an ecological perspective. It looks at where water springs are located in Switzerland and their significance. In addition, philosophical theories such as “Deep Ecology” by Arne Næss are considered in order to shed light on the relationship between humans, the environment and nature. The historical significance of water springs in different religions additionally emphasizes their relevance. The motivation for this master’s thesis arose from personal interest and my own involvement with water springs. While growing up in the immediate vicinity of a natural water spring I was fascinated by the connection between nature and water. The importance of water as the most fundamental element for life and the current changes due to climate change intensified the interest in water springs and their mediation. The Unterengadin, with its unique water springs, particularly served as a source of inspiration. The aim of this master’s thesis is not to present us humans as protagonists, but to assign a protagonist role to the water spring. Through visual experiments, thought-provoking impulses are to be given to establish a new connection to water and its springs and possibly to question one’s own water consumption. The work combines abstraction and criticism of us humans and aims to establish a relationship between us and the water springs.