Unveiling Artistry and Sonic Innovation: A Glimpse of Berlin Atonal 2023 - pt.2

September 1, 2023
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GIADA DELLA BONTA
“Unter” by Billy Bultheel & Tanya V. Abelson, DISAPPEARING BERLIN x Radialsystem, 2022, Photo: Thyago Sainte.
“Unter” by Billy Bultheel & Tanya V. Abelson, DISAPPEARING BERLIN x Radialsystem, 2022, Photo: Thyago Sainte.

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.

Enter "Universal Metabolism" Exhibition

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:


CTM + Skjold Rambow - Bow

The collaborative performance "Bow" combines the dance of artist Skjold Rambow with the music of CTM. This choreographed transition from fiction to reality incorporates intimate presence and collective language. The performance's backdrop and focal point intertwine, elongating the moment between past and future. "Bow" challenges expectations and explores the relationship between performers and their audience, both on stage and behind the scenes.

"Heartbreaker" from Skjold Rambow, 2021
"Heartbreaker" from Skjold Rambow, 2021

Fritz Kahn - Various Illustrations

Fritz Kahn's illustrations offer a unique perspective on the structure and function of the human body. His visual analogies and metaphors captivated audiences, conveying complex scientific concepts with expressive and contemporary design. Through Kahn's collaborative approach, his illustrations stand as pioneer works of information design, inspiring curiosity for sciences and anthropology.

"In 70 years, a man eats 1,400 times his own weight" - Fritz Kahn
"In 70 years, a man eats 1,400 times his own weight" - Fritz Kahn

James Richards + Steve Reinke - When we were monsters

Richards and Reinke rework archival medical photographs into a multidimensional composition. This fusion of images, animations, texts, audio, and spoken word expands the medical gaze into abstract erotics and abstract realms. The artworks traverse diverse themes, including Pavlov's dogs, hallucinations, and organic elements, inviting viewers to explore the delicate interplay between science, aesthetics, and the human experience.

"When We Were Monsters" by Steve Reinke & James Richards, 2020
"When We Were Monsters" by Steve Reinke & James Richards, 2020

Laxlan Petras + Yasmin Saleh - Humanities

Laxlan Petras and Yasmin Saleh present "Humanities," a duet performance that uses opera tropes to convey an immersive experience. The performance features improvisational choreography within the architecture of Atonal, offering a living portrait of the performers. Petras' drawings prefigure notions of ruination, intertwining with the performative aspects to create a holistic sensory experience.

Kraftwerk Berlin view
Kraftwerk Berlin view

Livia Melzi - Le Théâtre Cannibale de Bry

Livia Melzi's ensemble of tapestries is inspired by Théodore de Bry's work "Grands Voyages: America Tertia Pars." Drawing from historical accounts of encounters with the Tupi tribes, Melzi's tapestries challenge colonial perspectives. The artwork recontextualizes de Bry's engravings, depicting indigenous people as both barbarian warriors and possessing European traits. Through this reinterpretation, Melzi explores themes of colonization, perception, and the interplay of history and art.

" Le Théâtre Cannibale de Bry" by Livia Melzi
" Le Théâtre Cannibale de Bry" by Livia Melzi

Nastya Livadnova - i come as one and i stand as 1o ooo paradoxes

Nastya Livadnova's musical performative show features 300 meters of paper flying in the air during the performance. This visually captivating spectacle offers a multi-dimensional experience that transcends traditional boundaries of music and art. Livadnova's creation immerses audiences in a world of paradoxes, where the ephemeral nature of flying paper challenges perceptions of the tangible and intangible.

2020-08-19_DaddiesOnAcid-MIA-Pixelflowers_001134
2020-08-19_DaddiesOnAcid-MIA-Pixelflowers_001134

Art, Sound, and Beyond

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/