Artist Claudia Janke invites people to wave at her camera as an expression of solidarity with their fellow humans. Wavelength is a joyful public intervention and artwork bringing people together through a simple but powerful gesture, the wave. It’s about solidarity, participation and connection - a celebration of the things we have in common and the humanity we share. The act of waving originated as a signal to strangers that one comes in peace. It creates moments of intimacy at a distance, even between strangers. 

Community participation and the work in public spaces underpin the making and screening of Wavelength projects. Both generate energising, fun shared experiences inviting curiosity and interaction between people from all walks of life. Wavelength is unique in its approach and promotes a vision of an open, dynamic and inclusive society without prejudice.

It all started with a commission by arts organisation AIR inviting me to create an artwork that would bring together the community of Packington estate (my home) after a time of upheaval. Using a drone, I filmed residents and neighbours waving from balconies, windows and doorsteps throughout the summer. The resulting film was shown as a multi-screen projection in the newly opened communal garden, overlooked by hundreds of flats. The project had a lasting impact on the community and the extended neighbourhood. It opened up new ways of communication, inspired people to see their neighbours in a new light and connect to their surroundings in a new way.

Witnessing the extraordinary potential waving holds to bring a community together Janke decided to take Wavelength further. In response to growing sense of division felt by communities, generations and nations across Europe the she embarked on a two months solo-journey to make Wavelength-Europe. Travelling by train, ferry and bus she visited each of the 27 EU-member states for one day inviting people to become part of her beacon of solidarity and friendship by waving at their fellow humans. She filmed 411 wavers in total. All waves, each a unique beacon of hope, are posted on social media to be shared far and wide.

Wavelength films are shown in public spaces as multi-screen installations, projected onto major landmarks or shared on community squares and art festivals across Britain and the EU. People are invited to bring instrument to play music, recite poetry about solidarity or simply watch the film and connect with other audience members.

Wavelength projects are varied and their success is down to the participation and trust of many people . From supporters, to hosts, to helpers and wavers; Wavelength is a big collaborative work carried by the the engagement and solidarity it intends fosters.

Wavelength is an intervention by award-winning  multimedia photographer and artist Claudia Janke.