GERMAN INDIAN deals with a widespread German phenomenon called Hobbyism or Indianism. It flourished rapidly since the early 20th century following the legacy of the German writer Karl May (1842 -1912). Hobbyism continued to exist in both Germanys (former GDR and West Germany) until today. Besides a general romantic quest for an alternative way of living, the Hobbyist’s notion of the 'Indian' is often an expression of an assumed spiritual kinship between the Native American and the German history.

GERMAN INDIAN follows the motives, desires, and investments of Hobbyists in their search of ‘Indian’ authenticity. Hobbyists emulate the Native American culture, by home-made crafting of museum-quality replicas of clothing, weapons or other artefacts, our by re-enacting dances, music and customs. In more than 200 clubs all over Germany, members gather to study and imitate everything ‘Indian’.

By repeating the act of copying I re-appropriate and comment on Hobbyism by highlighting the notions of authorship and authenticity.

more text by Sascha Pohle: Our Hobby or why we walk around like Indians