15. Tausend Küsse (2023) – Laura Fisher

2023. Artist book, cotton thread embroidered on wool felt, 15 x 17 x 2.5 cm 

This artist’s book is based on a photograph and letter given
by Hilel Erner to his wife and children before the family were
separated in 1940. Using a printed scan of the letter as a guide,
Laura Fisher carefully embroidered Hilel’s handwritten words in
thread, preserving both his message and his handwriting through
touch and time.

The letter reads:
Damit meine beiden Kinder nicht vergessen wie ihr Papa aussieht
schicke ich dieses Bild, in der Hoffnung das sie es genau so
lieb haben wie als ich bei euch wäre. Tausend Küsse und alles
gute für mein(e) Frau und die Kinder. Hilel

English translation:
So that my two children do not forget what their papa looks
like, I send this picture, in the hope that they will hold it
just as dear as if I were with you. A thousand kisses and all
good wishes for my wife and the children. Hilel

The field of small red x’s embroidered on the cover of the book
references the phrase Tausend Küsse (A Thousand Kisses), from
which the piece takes its name.

With thanks to the Erner family whose collection features in this
work. Courtesy of Holocaust Centre North Archive.