Stella has followed the hallowed footsteps of Scotty G. to Berlin. She will now attempt to communicate an art installation in photographs. All good art installations are of course impossible to capture and document. Nevertheless, Stella will risk diminishing the work to share it with you.
It takes place in the Neue Nationalgalerie designed by that old Bauhaus master Mies van der Rohe. The building alone is a delicious experience.
German-born, New York-based artist Rudolf Stingel has created an installation, which involves an empty building, a chandelier, and a carpet.
Stella enjoyed the carpet, which had been transposed from the original and then digitally magnified and printed. From across the room it looks precise and woven, close up it’s blurred.
The interaction of the opulent chandelier and the moderated Indian carpet with the strict modernist building is fun. It’s a perfect vacation art installation. Playful, relaxing, marginally thought-provoking, but nothing too heavy. People like it.
I was at the Neue Nationalgalerie one time, many many years ago (going on 20 years I think!) — the only thing I remember about it is what a beautiful building it was, and that the bench I sat on while I was there was the most comfortable bench I had ever sat on to date — I think I have sat on more comfortable benches since then, but I remember being really struck by what a great bench that was.
What a great exhibit! I love installations that you can actually interact with, not just look at. Plus, nap on.
“It’s a perfect vacation art installation.”
Reminds me of “The Weather Project” by Olafur Eliasson at the Tate Modern, Turbine Hall.
A nice reprieve from the possible hustle and bustle of a vacation itinerary.