Hans Hofer
Artist in Residence
Natural Light, Genuine Moments & Authentic Editing
I am a photographer and videographer, living with my family in Austria’s capital, Vienna, and in the heart of Styria – the breathtaking Ausseerland region.
Since the beginning of my career as a photography apprentice, I’ve had the privilege of dedicating my professional life to my passion: the art of visual storytelling.
My work is driven by a commitment to authenticity – capturing real moments in natural light and bringing them to life with an honest, timeless aesthetic.
I am deeply honored to have been selected as an Austrian artist for the inspiring project Turning the Tide.
Ι believe that art and culture hold immense power to shift perspectives and spark meaningful change. Climate change is not only a scientific or political issue – it’s a deeply human one.
As an artist, I feel a responsibility to use my voice and visual language to advocate for a future that honors the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.
By embracing new approaches and reimagining our relationship with nature, we have a real chance to prevent irreversible harm to our planet. I am committed to contributing to this cultural transformation – one that leaves no one and nothing behind.
See Grundl, 2025
Short film project on water & sustainability “See Grundl”
As part of the project Turning the Tide, I approached the topic of water from an artistic perspective, both as a vital resource for life, as a symbol, and as something we often take for granted, even though it is increasingly under pressure. The aim of my project was to give a voice to people from different walks of life and, through their personal experiences and perspectives, create an emotional connection to the subject.
At the beginning of the project, the central question was: How do people perceive water, depending on their background, profession, living environment, or personal experience? To gain a deeper understanding of this question, I conducted several interviews. Based on the collected statements, I developed a screenplay for a short film that interweaves different perspectives. The film is not meant to instruct or lecture, but rather to move and touch people emotionally, through authentic voices, condensed quotes, and a clear visual language.
My goal was to reach as many people as possible with the film and to encourage reflection on how essential water is to our lives, and why sustainable use of this resource remains so important
Production & premiere
After evaluating the interviews, key ideas were selected and dramaturgically condensed. From this process, a script was developed, which served as the foundation for the short film. The premiere took place on December 20th at the small gallery “LLLLL Artist Run Space”. This first screening was an important milestone for the project, as the film was presented to the public for the first time and could be viewed and reflected on together.
Currently, the film is planned to be submitted to various competitions. In addition, discussions are underway regarding a possible broadcast on the Austrian public broadcaster (ORF). This would help expand the film’s reach and allow it to connect with a particularly large audience.
*Photo:Bernd Herger/Nico Seidel
Interview partners & key statements
For this project, I selected people who experience water in very different ways, through sports, profession, geographical surroundings, or personal connection. Their statements form the emotional and conceptual foundation of the film.
Theresa Ferstl
(water sports athlete; lived in Morocco for many years; ran a surf camp)
She especially emphasized the finite nature of water as a resource:
“It holds our world together. Yet what seems self-evident is fragile.”
Angelina Marl
(lives in Bad Aussee, surrounded by lakes)
For her, water carries an almost philosophical meaning:
“We look into it—and recognize not only the water, but ourselves.”
Sebastiano Airelli
(author of a climbing guidebook and entrepreneur)
He spoke about what responsibility in dealing with water can look like:
“When the water falls silent… life around us falls silent as well.”
Ayham Ayoub
(works in the field of integration; lives in Vienna)
His clear perspective surprised me in particular:
“Water flows through everything. It gives, it carries, it nourishes. But it is not
infinite.”
Andreas Wenzel
(photographer; creative approach)
He framed the topic as a question of our future:
“Water is our future. Let us protect it—while it is still flowing.”
Reinhard Hofer
(marine biologist; my father)
The interview was rich in content. Central was his reflection on origins and memory:
“We all come from water. Sometimes it is wise to look back at where we come from.”
Note on the use of quotes
The quotes used in the film are not word-for-word transcripts. Instead, they were artistically interpreted and adapted to fit the rhythm and flow of the film. All statements were shared with the interview partners and confirmed by them as accurate in meaning and true to what they intended to express.
Conclusion
The project Turning the Tide showed me how differently people perceive water—and how deeply emotional this topic becomes once space is created for personal perspectives. As an artist, it is especially important to me not only to inform people, but to move them. The short film aims to encourage viewers to stop taking water for granted and to recognize it as a precious resource that requires protection and responsibility.