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In the vibrant tapestry of Berlin's art and sound scene, the name "Atonal" resonates as a beacon of cutting edge ideas since many years. As anticipation builds, art aficionados are poised to immerse themselves in the multifaceted offerings of the legendary Berlin Atonal 2023. Set to captivate from September 7th to 17th, this avant-garde festival promises an all-encompassing experience that art lovers won't want to miss. With a captivating blend of innovative works, Berlin Atonal 2023 proudly presents a lineup of 60 fresh musical acts and 10 visionary visual artists. This amalgamation is designed to resonate deeply with those who seek to explore the dynamic interplay between auditory and visual expressions.
Beyond its exciting musical programme, Berlin Atonal 2023 unveils the "Universal Metabolism" exhibition. Running from September 11th to 14th, this immersive four-day event challenges the creative boundaries of the iconic Kraftwerk mega-complex. Like a modern artistic pilgrimage, attendees will be part of a series of performative interventions that weave seamlessly into the fabric of Berlin Art Week.
Inspired by its predecessor "Metabolic Rift," the "Universal Metabolism" exhibition beckons visitors on a mesmerizing journey of artistry. This transformational experience features an array of mediums, including audio-visual works, in-situ sculptures, video art, and immersive soundscapes. Each creation evolves and dissipates within a dynamic temporal sequence, culminating each day in a unique performative and concert-based destination. As visitors step into its realm, they are greeted by a diverse array of artworks that challenge conventions and immerse them in a world of creativity and introspection. Here, we delve into the intricacies of some of the remarkable pieces showcased in this exhibition:
VALIE EXPORT's installation confronts viewers with an eerie assemblage of pipes suspended in the power plant. These galvanized and lead pipes dangle like ominous stalactites, casting pointed shadows on the glass walls. Drawing inspiration from the dreaded rocket battery of World War II, the sculpture features tubes pointing upwards, evoking a sense of readiness to unleash destruction. The once-sacred sounding bodies of organs are transformed into menacing projectiles that challenge perceptions of peace and salvation.
In "Oh Adelaide," Sonia Boyce collaborates with sound artist Ain Bailey to reimagine the late jazz singer and entertainer, Adelaide Hall. Through found film footage, Adelaide Hall's presence becomes ethereal as she transcends both history and contemporary boundaries. Bailey's haunting soundtrack intertwines with the video, creating an immersive experience that blurs the line between reality and ethereal artistry.
Richard Sides' "Shoplifting in the Anthropocene" challenges traditional exhibition norms. The installation, conceived for Kraftwerk's architecture, interconnects environments that merge sculptural interventions with time-based elements. Created from household waste, found objects, and printed materials, Sides' installation challenges conventional definitions of human endeavors and invites viewers to ponder the trajectory of our species.
Mire Lee's fabric installation evolves over time, inviting viewers to witness its transformation. Dipped in viscous liquid clay, the worn-out, torn, and ripped fabrics gradually morph as water sprayed from above thins down the clay. Lee's kinetic sculptural installation provokes introspection about human fantasies and the passage of time, engaging viewers on a sensory level that transcends intellect.
"Hidden Resonance X Kraftwerk" is a sound installation that repurposes industrial gas cylinders into sound-generating machines. Interacting with the Kraftwerk building's historical soundscapes, these transformed objects challenge perceptions of power, energy, and post-industrial contexts. Aibo's work prompts reflections on history, transformation, and the changing dynamics of a resource-limited world.
Marco Fusinato's "Desastres" offers fleeting glimpses of his acclaimed work, adapted for the Berlin Atonal 2023 exhibition. This ever-shifting adaptation captures the essence of noise, experimental music, and metal, synchronizing image and sound to create an immersive experience that resonates with visitors.
Ana Vaz's work, "It Is Night In America," is a film recorded at Brasilia Zoo, portraying the lives of rescued species in the city. With a blend of captivating visuals and intricate soundscapes, Vaz's creation weaves together perspectives of preservation, environmental challenges, and the complexities of coexisting with diverse species.
Bridget Polk's "Reclaimed Damages" is a collection of towers constructed from demolition debris, statuary, and construction materials. These towers, held together solely by gravity, invite viewers to ponder the interdependence of past and present events. As pieces inevitably fall, Polk's meditative practice of stillness and patience becomes an intrinsic part of the creative process, encouraging viewers to detach from the past and present and embrace an informed future.
Traversing the Berlin Atonal 2023 exhibition, visitors are invited to engage with these diverse and thought-provoking artworks. As day transitions to night, the exhibition paves the way for a concert-based conclusion after the final showing of Romeo Castellucci’s "The Third Reich," shown for the first time in Germany. In this thought-provoking video installation that merges history and language, a performer enacts a symbolic ceremony, accompanied by Scott Gibbons' composed sound.
The exhibition visitors can enjoy various music performances at the end of each exhibition day:
Robin Fox's "Triptych" is a laser masterpiece where light and sound unite. Laser projections choreograph intricate patterns in harmony with a captivating sonic landscape, creating an immersive sensory journey.
Klein, one of the most iconoclastic artists in the UK, will use her disjunctive experimentalism to create a sensory world that melds popular reference points with personal associations.
"The Thief’s Journal" by Billy Bultheel is a musical marvel that blends multiple instruments into a harmonious symphony. Bultheel's skillful orchestration weaves diverse musical voices, creating an enchanting tapestry of sound.
With a fluid format that seamlessly weaves visual art and sound, the event promises an immersive experience that transcends traditional exhibitions. It's an unmissable opportunity for art enthusiasts to witness the convergence of diverse talents and mediums, forging a unique symphony for the senses.
You can find more information and book your exhibition ticket here: https://berlin-atonal.com/
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