Inspired by Zoe Leonard’s poem »I want a president« from 1992, I wrote a text about things I would like to see happen.

I painted a sign for each sentence and presented the 15 signs as an installation at Foward Festival in Hamburg, in April 2024.

Manifesto

I wish I didn’t have to say this.
I wish speaking up didn’t make me the target of haters.
I wish I didn’t have to be afraid of being raped.
I wish I could ride my bike without risking my life.
I wish I didn’t live in a world shaped by and for men.

I wish I didn’t have to worry about any of this.
I wish it was just a matter of mindset.
I wish it was really just my responsibility.
I wish I didn’t have to see a therapist about this.

I wish I was paid for creating this artwork.
I wish my comfort was not based on the exploitation of others.
I wish I didn’t have to worry about staying relevant.
I wish I wasn’t afraid of being poor when I get old.
I wish capitalism would finally end.
I wish I knew better.