03-06.2024 |  The project “Marque de Sorcière” took place in Valais, where the first witch hunts took place around 1430, when catastrophes, illnesses and mysterious deaths required an explanation. Rumours played a fundamental role in the persecution of witches and the accusations usually came from the population. People who behaved strangely or had special knowledge of healing were targeted. A bruise or a birthmark on various parts of the body was often enough to be interpreted as a witch mark inflicted by the devil on the signatories of the pact. This mark was soon accepted by the inquisitors as sufficient proof of witchcraft, which was to be punished by burning at the stake. Before torture, protective measures had to be taken against the power of the devil. To ward off magical powers, the accused’s hair was often shorn and they had to put on a new shirt before the interrogation so that no magic could be hidden in their clothing. The fear of witches was often just envy, resentment and false accusations. It drove people to flee and disguise themselves to stay safe in the mountains.

Visiting some of the hidden valleys in the Swiss Alps the project featured four different ensembles made from antique paper and were performed during the residency in Valais. The garments of the series dealt with escape, hiding, deception and repentance.