In H.N.5 515 Sława Harasymowicz used personal biography (and documentary records) to explore one of the biggest World War II maritime disasters that still remains obscured in history and clouded in ambiguity.

On 3 May 1945 in Neustadt Bay near Lübeck, three stationary German ships, Cap Arcona, Thielbek and SS Deutschland were torpedoed by RAF Hawker Typhoons. The production of these timed mechanisms proved poignantly if ironically futile in confrontation with the fighter-bomber planes.

As a way of unpacking or exposing the personal and public significance of this event and interrogating the impulses of knowledge, destiny, timing and control, Harasymowicz juxtaposes drawing, print, found footage, archives and sound.

This was the first ‘chapter’ in a three-part multi-disciplinary project by Haraysmowicz. The second was Radio On, at Narrative Projects, and the third, The Spring to Come at The Poetry Library, Royal Festival Hall.

Further information about the exhibition can be found here.