Paper is a leaf that will destroy us in its fall

In the oral tradition of the Lega - a group of people from the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo - the proverb string plays an important role. An average string carries 40-60 miniature objects, each representing a proverb and traditionally function as carriers of wisdom. The meaning of these objects is activated in social situations, told and re-told, often in a debate and discussion, by members of the community. Sarah van Lamsweerde's project Paper is a Leaf That Will Destroy Us in its Fall explores this past tradition, and questions what it would mean to develop such a tangible ideographic tool in this age of virtual images and communications. Exhibition: Onomatopee, Eindhoven, The Netherlands (28.11.2015-03.01.2016).