Gatekeeping:
Impressions of Brijuni Island
Charis Gersl

In this focus work the topics of care, protection of landscape and its history and their connection are explored on a personal level in the context of the nature reserve „Brijuni Island“. This specific surrounding is important because it was able to spark the thoughts and questions through its rich history and limited space. These circumstances create a visibility for the islands different layers through their tensions, their overlapping and their boarders.

The island, although it is not noticeable right away, is controlled, regulated and monitored. Elements, which embody this control, are found all over the island and stand out because they contrast their surrounding. In a so called nature reserve one would not expect to find security cameras and this extent of fencing disrupting the idyllic nature.
As a visitor, if paying attention, one gets irritated by these scenes. Traces of the different layers of history are visible everywhere and all seem well protected. Walking on the island feels like stumbling from one time capsule to another, each with different stories and values, provoking thoughts and imaginations of how this island once could have been and looked like. Also one starts to wonder what lies behind these elements of in- and „exclosure“, why they are there and if they are still relevant today.

The film focuses on this irritation, that is followed by curiosity. It is an attempt to visualize the personal experience and thought processes that happened on the island. First, one is fascinated by the beauty of the island, enjoying the landscape. Then, one stumbles upon an element which, over time, further draws in the attention. One starts to think about it, resulting in drifting of into thoughts and imagination. The curiosity is sparked to find out more about why these elements are there.

There are different objects which could be irritating on the island but the fence is a very present one. It is used in different scenarios. Sometimes to keep out something and to protect another. Sometimes to mark a border. An element sometimes flexible, sometimes fixed, sometimes cared for, sometimes neglected. It is guarding, protecting, preserving, caring through keeping out or in.

But what they are protecting today is not always visible. One is unsure if they are there for their original use or more to protect the myth of the place by keeping some parts exclusive. The rich history of the island and these time capsules, that are spread over the island, seem to be a big part of what these fences are guarding today.
This would mean that taking care of a landscape can mean protecting its history and myths. Care can mean knowing, being aware of what once was, keeping the memories alive. The elements, which could be irritating for the visitor, could be seen as caretakers of the island, that through keeping some parts of the land exclusive, preserve it.