Die Gedanken Sind Frei (Our thoughts are free)

An exhibition inspired by the German folksong "Die Gedanken Sind Frei" (Our thoughts are free)
Rise up singing, 2011 (installation view)

This exhibit revolved around the folk song "Die Gedanken Sind Frei (Our thoughts are free)," which originated in the 1500's during the Peasant's Rebellion in Western Europe and has been utilized in various political, social, and cultural struggles throughout the centuries. The song has been used in some of the most important struggles for freedom in the Western world, such as anti-Nazi campaigns in WWII, the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, and in anti-internet censorship struggles. in 2011 Elana Mann translated the song into Arabic in solidarity with the Arab Spring in the Middle East and shot a video of an Egyptian man singing the song. Mann also created a pamphlet containing translations of the song in German, English, and Arabic as well as a timeline of the song's history. "Die Gedanken Sind Frei (Our thoughts are free)," and other freedom songs like it, continue to inspire generations of people to collectively work towards dreams of peace and justice.

Fake book for free-seekers, 2011, dimension variable, Unlimited edition
Fake book for freedom-seekers (detail), 2011, dimension variable, Unlimited edition
1524, 1942, 1966, 2011, 2011, 40" X 27", pigment on paper
Backyard Odyssey, 16" X 20", duratrans print with lightbox