'The Ephemeral' at ARNDT, Berlin

International Mon 24-10-2011

'The Ephemeral' at ARNDT, Berlin
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Arndt, Berlin would like to present "The Ephemeral"; an exhibition featuring works by more than 20 international artists. Opening 4th November, 2011 - February 2012, this will be a group exhibition with works by: Absalon, Moridja Banza, Joseph Beuys, Sophie Calle, Joe Coleman, Hanne Darboven, Wim Delvoye, Mathilde Ter Heijne, Rebecca Horn, Jannis Kounellis, Heinz Mack, David Noonan, Henk Peeters, Jackson Pollock, Julian Rosefeldt, Matt Saunders, Chiharu Shiota, Miroslav Tichý, Grazia Toderi, Susan Turcot, Franz West, Nick Van Woert and Yang Jiechang.

Moridja-Banza-Hymne-a-Nous,-2008.jpg

Moridja Banza-'Hymne a Nous',2008

The experience of art is as brief as each passing instant. The encounter with a work is new in every moment, constantly revealing fresh dimensions and changing over the piece's lifetime. This transience stands in opposition to a vision of art as creating eternal values and capturing a timeless meaning. Yet though these two conceptions of time and art may appear paradoxical, they can be reconciled in the belief that only art which is valid over time can present itself to the viewer anew in every moment.

Artists have always analyzed questions of the ephemeral in their work. In doing so, many artists have not merely used materials and means of expression that might disintegrate or which border on the immaterial, but rather have foregrounded the very changeability of the artwork itself. Thus, for instance, the works of Jannis Kounellis contrast substantial materials such as coal and metal with mutable or intangible materials such as frost covering slabs or fire burning in lamps fuelled by a limited supply of petroleum.

Jannis-Kounellis-untitled

Jannis Kounellis-Untitled, 2010

Often enough, the ephemeral appears to be a fragile apparition wavering on the edge of existence, such as in a drawing by Joseph Beuys; the ephemeral draws its power precisely from its evanescence. But the ephemeral can also function as a warning highlighting the transience of all being. Such memento mori, reminding the viewer of death and the finitude of the self, are found in Sophie Calle’s photographs of gravestones.

Joseph-Beuys-Pieta,-1952 Sophie-Calle-orphan

Joseph Beuys's 'Pieta' and Sophie Calle's 'Orphan'

In a pietà by Beuys, the memento mori is twisted into a promise that death might not be the final station after all. The art of Miroslav Tichý seeks to apprehend the brevity of the moment by dwelling on a young girl bathing, suffused with the full romantic melancholy of one who is aware that beauty fades. The homemade, rudimentary camera made from cardboard which Tichý uses to capture his images is itself a makeshift thing.

"The Ephemeral" will feature works by more than 20 international artists. Curated thematically, the show launches a series of group exhibitions to be presented both at ARNDT Berlin and in Asia and the Pacific Rim. The exhibitions will take place in galleries and institutions but also in locations removed from the usual spheres of cultural activity. Such offsite spaces provide a stimulating juxtaposition to the artwork on display.

The exhibition will be accompanied by its own webpage (www.theephemeral.com).

Posted By: Allan Kapten

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