"In most plays, the dialogue is based on the false assumption that people let each other finish speaking. Where does that exist in real life?" This was the question posed by the Austrian writer Alfred Polgar.
These thoughts have occupied me for a very long time: Don't we mostly surround ourselves with people who think very similarly? Where do we still allow ourselves to consider completely different opinions? Where do we take advantage of opportunities to engage in dialogue with each other and with ideas that are unfamiliar to us?
Hello Lübeck?
How fitting that I'm ZWISCHENZEILEN Lübeck was invited to the preview of the new exhibition " Hello Lübeck – Dialogues with the Kunsthalle St. Annen director of the Kunsthalle, Nora Dirani, aims to open up the Kunsthalle as an institution and break down barriers to art in this first exhibition she has curated. I was very curious to see how I would experience this motivation to work more experimentally on site at St. Annen-Straße 15 in Lübeck.
Andreas Angelidakis and "The Beach"
Andreas Angelidakis , known to a wider audience for his work at documenta 14 , has created the participatory installation "The Beach" for the Kunsthalle's foyer, which will remain permanently in Lübeck as a new acquisition. Sixty-eight seating modules made of foam and vinyl can be combined into a variety of different configurations, creating an accessible and free-to-use "open space." Angelidakis sees this welcoming scene as a place of transition from the street—the public space—to the art space. You are given time to arrive and take a breath.
During the preparation phase, the artist experienced Lübeck as a place by the water and chose the colors of plastic toys and surfing equipment for his work. He was also inspired by the blocky world of Minecraft. Ideally, you enter into a dialogue with Angelidakis's objects with the people you visit the exhibition with. But you also encounter, at a later time, the ideas of those who previously arranged the modules in the space. From now on, the foyer is in a constant state of transformation.
From looking closely
On the ground floor, selected exhibits from the collections of Lübeck's museums are presented in relation to one another, transcending genres and periods. The focus here is not on an art historical approach, but rather on the theme. In this space, you are invited to seek out the connecting element through careful observation.
Appointed Curators ” by conceptual artist Ahmet Öğüt, also on display on the ground floor, immediately piqued my interest. It shows a series of portraits of nominated curators, all standing with their arms folded. Not open to dialogue, is the spontaneous thought that comes to mind. I see the defensive posture. Or are the subjects protecting themselves from criticism? Who decides what is art and what is shown in a museum? Nora Dirani interprets the work as a reminder that museum directors should question their actions and create transparency.
We can live together as human beings or die together as fools.
Martin Luther King
Fuse – Connect
In the basement, two rooms await you with the dynamic light and sound installation "Fuse" by artist Tatjana Busch . Here, amidst ethereal sounds and a relatively dark environment, you'll find a sensual connection to the art, as well as the space and tranquility to engage in a dialogue with yourself. The three-dimensional objects hang from thin cords. The shimmering light is reflected off the walls, constantly highlighting different aspects of the work. It's almost as if the seemingly weightless objects made of acrylic and aluminum are continually reinventing themselves.
Kneaded city – me as a barrier against stupid remarks
Together with students from Lübeck schools in grades 4-7, the renowned German conceptual artist Christian Jankowski worked for the Kunsthalle. He invited the young people to discuss their wishes for the city of tomorrow and to engage in their own creative and artistic activities. The students developed small figurative sculptures from modeling clay based on their visions.
The clay figures clearly illustrate the fears and hopes young people face today. The titles of the clay sculptures are displayed on the walls. Here, the Kunsthalle's new focus on multi-perspective and participation is particularly evident. It's truly enjoyable to explore the ideas of creative young people. We could all use a cupboard to protect ourselves from stupid comments!
Jump up
You can view three exhibits on the first floor by approaching them by jumping on trampolines. This is also a contribution from Ahmet Öğüt . On the one hand, the focus here is on the joy of movement, because art and museums should be fun. Here, too, you gain a new perspective on artworks. For a fraction of a second, you reach the perfect height to examine the work more closely. You only partially reveal it. Some things remain hidden. And you have to make an effort. All of this fits perfectly with the exhibition's theme of togetherness and dialogue.
KiKU – Children's Art Gallery
A special highlight of the exhibition is the Children's Art Gallery, which is opening its doors for the first time on the second floor to the youngest museum visitors and will become a permanent feature of all future exhibitions at the Kunsthalle St. Annen. Artists Stephanie Lüng and Benjamin Butter are transforming the exhibition spaces into walk-in, participatory artworks, offering playful approaches to contemporary art. Currently, the room, titled "It Is What It Is," is completely white. If you've always wanted to create art, this is your chance! Make your creative contribution to shaping the experience of the space.
These are just a few snapshots, hopefully intended to pique your interest in the exhibition. “Hello Lübeck – Dialogues with the Kunsthalle St. Annen” opens its doors on December 3rd and will remain on display until July 28th, 2024. It promises a diverse accompanying program, including creative workshops, yoga, and an art dinner.
And one more small side note: For me, there's another reason to keep coming back to the Kunsthalle. From the window on the second floor, you have a view of a part of Lübeck that you can't get anywhere else.
We were also recently in for the latest episode of our podcast, ZWISCHENTÖNE
