The concept of free, democratic, public spaces in major cities is rapidly becoming less and less of an academic pursuit, and more of a tangible societal debate. The newest exhibition at the Akadamie der Künste, entitled Demo:Polis – The Right to Public Space, seeks to explore the different manifestations of public space; the streets, or parks, or urban centers which develop with or without governmental support. The work displayed ranges from a study of the public resistance to proposed renovations on Tempelhofer Feld, to the political language of violence which was employed after American flags on the iconic Brooklyn Bridge were replaced with bleached white copies, to the analysis of small French town squares which have quietly and autonomously retained their communal importance. It’s a beautifully curated journey through the minds of architects, artists, students and the general public, as we in turn try to understand more about the spaces which may or may not belong to us, and the ways in which they are used, protected or threatened. (Text: Antonia Harris / Photo: (left) Roberto Rodriguez, (top) Elfi Mikesch)
Akademie der Künste, Hanseatenweg 10, 10557 Berlin-Hansaviertel; map
Exhibition: 12.3-29.5.2016; Tue 14-22h, Wed-Sun 11-19h.
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