This catalogue is published on the occasion of a comprehensive solo exhibition of German-Austrian artist and philosopher Elisabeth von Samsonow (*1956) at the Heidi Horten Collection in Vienna. At the heart of Samsonow’s more than 40-year artistic practice is an exploration of the Earth as a living subject—as a bearer of history, energy, and collective memory.

Samsonow’s early artistic work focused on drawing and sculpture, particularly woodcarving, in which she approaches the tree trunk she works on as a living counterpart. Performance and photography were later added to her practice. Sculpture remains central to Samsonow’s feminist oeuvre, though she repeatedly subverts its static nature through kinetic and sound sculptures, which often incorporate elements of her performances.

Featuring contributions by, among others, Hana O. O. Haas, Suzana Milevska, Joanna Warsza, Alena Williams, and the artist.