Some time ago, I decided to treat my friendships with the same care and importance as romantic relationships. That meant making space for them in my life — dates for everyone, so to speak. Because if I’m honest, my friends are my most important advisors at work, in relationships, in life’s many crises. The network of smart, kind and funny FLINTA* in my life is my support system. They catch me when I fall, stand beside me in anger when injustice happens, and ground me when I need it. But above all, they lift me up when I have doubts. One of the brilliant minds in this network is Laura Markert. A photographer and graphic designer, she has been engaging with intersectional feminism in her work for as long as I’ve known her. This weekend, for International Women’s Day (08.03.), she is launching a new project: “Love Letters, But as a Feminist Act“. With this initiative, Laura invites people to write love letters on postcards as an act of care and recognition. The font she uses is inspired by a design by Elisabeth Friedländer, one of the first women in Berlin (and beyond) to design typefaces. Laura has reworked and expanded the type, using it to print A5-sized, dark green screen prints on colorful leftover paper from her past projects and a local print shop. Each set includes two postcards — one for yourself and one for a FLINTA* person you cherish. You write to them, telling them why you appreciate them, why you’re grateful to have them in your life, or anything else you’d put in a love letter. An envelope is included, making it easy to send or gift in person. “Love Letters, But as a Feminist Act” is not about the constant rage in the fight against patriarchy (though that has its place). Instead, it centers appreciation, empowerment and love between FLINTA*. And that feels incredibly good. It also fits perfectly with my resolution (see above). Be right back, I have love letters to write.
Text: Inga Krumme / Photos: Laura Markert (büro bungalow)
You can order “Loveletters, but as a feminist act” via DM on Instagram or email to Laura.
@buero_bungalow
@laura.ma___
