In the exhibition Keep Away from Fire at the GAK in 2018, Šejla Kamerić presented colourfully patterned silk scarves on stainless steel racks and thus contrasted the image of silk scarves as the epitome of luxury with a department store-like situation in the exhibition space.
A closer look reveals that the decorative patterns of the flowing fabrics are actually pictures of workers from all over the world, whose individual faces emerge ever more clearly from the kaleidoscopic prints. By these means, Kamerić makes visible those persons who produce consumer goods — usually in low-wage countries and under the worst possible conditions — and who usually remain unseen. Kamerić’s annual edition comprises three of the silk scarves which, even when removed from the exhibition situation, maintain the link as buyable, wearable unique pieces, situating themselves in the confrontation with the dynamics of labour contexts and consumer behaviour in affluent society.