Alchemy: an intriguing word that’s thrown around as often as it’s misunderstood. Here to lift the veil on its mysteries from an aesthetic point of view is Kulturforum’s latest exhibition, “Alchemy. The Great Art.” Defined as a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of base metals into gold, the discovery of a universal cure for disease, and a means of indefinitely prolonging life, the topic is brought to life with works by the likes of Joseph Beuys, Jeff Koons, and Sarah Schönfeld. Black walls establish a magical backdrop for the shining metals, photographs, manuscripts, jewelry and sculptures included in the show. Together, they present a global history of alchemy and its rituals. Allow yourself to get lost and discover where the magic may lead your mind. (Text: Devan Grimsrud / Photos: (clockwise) Heinz Hajek-Halke / Staatliche Museen zu Berlin / David von Becker / Natascha Sonnenschein)
Kulturforum, Matthäikirchplatz, 10785 Berlin-Tiergarten; map
“Alchemy. The Great Art”, program
Until 23.7.2017, Tue-Fri 10-18h, Thu 10-20h, Sat-Sun 11-18h
