bb11 - random Berlin, conscious Biennale

 I mentioned already that I don't often go to temporary exhibitions when I'm on holiday. Because of two very simple reasons: 
- I do wanna see the important/touristy stuff in a city in which I've never been to (I know lame, and not hip at all)
- and I'm usually with other people, who are not as enthusiastic about contemp art as I am
These two need compromising on what to see, what to squeeze in the limited time given in a place.

Berlin is definitely an exception: first of all because I'm going to go back.
Second: because Berling offers so much stuff to do that 

I don't even feel the FOMO anymore...

it's simply impossible to see and do even the most basic things stuffed in a long weekend. Therefore I chose to go to the biennale to the Gropius Bau. One of the four locations recommended by the local friend whos said that the building itself worth a visit. Win-win I get to see the biennale, they get to see something interesting, and a tourist point is ticked off the list.

"The Crack begins within" is an epilogue, brings together these experiences and the issues of 4 previous exhibitions by the biennale. And yes, the works are scratching the surface of something uncomfortable: what do we know about the big art here in Western Europe?

Interesting is that the further I'm in time from the things I saw, the more I think about them. After the show, I thought: "hm, okay, was nice, I have one work I liked." But now I'm going through the material I remember more and more works I would like to write about.

My fav piece was a half room. I can't find the artist as the website of the bb is so not user friendly that I just can't browse and see who did what. So shout out if you know!
The subtle sound of a bird, blurry sunset lights, and shadows of sharp edges. For me, this work was simplicity itself, warm jungle, fragile nature.

 

My second favorite is Bartolina Xixa's drag folk performance. Yes, drag and folk. And if you watch the video you notice, the folk of South America. And you see garbage and smoke around. And if you speak Spanish you understand all the messages this song sends. 

It's such a weird mixture of colors, disgust, nice music, heavy messages that it's not enough to watch this video once. People are standing bewildered of the projected video for long long minutes and go back to see it once more.

The third installation is from Mapa Teatro. I could try to explain why you should see it, but I couldn't really. It's a combination of space, sound, and film, which sucks you in completely. You have to stay and see how the old goldsmiths work with the material with the sound of the jungle in your ears. 
And you watch the video, and just can't move away.

Lots of Latin American problems/questions are addressed in the exhibition, which might even slip our everyday source of information, but absolutely worth thinking a bit through.
It is an exhibition to read alog with. Otherwise, it's not worth it. But if you do so a chain of thoughs provied talking topic for the rest of your nights.

If you happen to be in Berlin before 1st of November, go to the Gropius BauGo with open ears and eyes and look at the work like you have never seen contemporary art before! It's going to be a whole new experience!