00:00For many people, decorating eggs is an essential part of Easter, often colourful, sometimes a little chaotic.
00:08But at the Leipzig ILI Festival, the craft is taken to another level.
00:13Each year, artists from Germany and across Europe come together to showcase their skills.
00:18The festival offers a rare glimpse into regional traditions, many of which have been preserved for generations.
00:24This year, we have 29 artists from abroad who set their exhibits here.
00:31You have to imagine that every artist has his special technique.
00:35At long tables, visitors can watch as simple eggs are transformed into small works of art,
00:40sometimes geometric, sometimes minimalistic, sometimes richly decorated.
00:45Beyond the techniques, the cultural roots vary as well.
00:49Artist Agnes Martin, for example, works in the Ukrainian tradition.
00:52I work with instruments, which are traditionally used in Ukraine,
00:57to describe the eggs with hot wax.
00:59And then they are colored in different colors.
01:03And with the wax is always reserved what should remain in the color.
01:07It's not just small eggs on display.
01:09Visitors can also discover elaborately crafted and unusual pieces.
01:13Many artists invest hours of work into a single egg.
01:17Smaller ones can take eight to ten hours, while larger creations may even take up two weeks to complete.
01:24For visitors, the festival offers more than just decorative art.
01:27It's a chance to experience traditions that have become rare.
01:31And along the way, one might even find a special souvenir to take home for Easter.
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