“And Berlin Will Always Need You” – a comforting promise and the title of the Gropius Bau‘s current exhibition for Germany’s Bauhaus centennial. The show explores themes of labor, production and cultural ownership whilst uniting art and craft in true Bauhaus style. Standout pieces include Leonor Antunes’s delicately suspended sculptures of rope, copper, wood and rattan, mimicking weavings by Anni Albers and furniture by Franca Helg. Antje Majewski and Olivier Guesselé–Garai’s joint installation on cultural objects from Cameroon points a critical lens at cultural ownership in contemporary curation. The most awe-inspiring work is Chiharu Shiota’s largest installation yet – an ethereal, spider–like web made from 780km of white yarn adorning the ceiling of the atrium. This is a celebration of diverse materials, techniques and narratives. But it’s also a celebration of the city’s art – all works are from Berlin-based artists, forming an exciting collection for an institution with strong Bauhaus roots. P.S. While you’re at the Gropius Bau, make sure to try their new restaurant, Beba, for a delicious spread of Jewish cuisine. (Text: Michael Rice / Photos: courtesy Nevin Aladağ, Wentrup, Berlin & VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2018; Haris Epaminonda, Rodeo London/Piraeus; Mathias Voelzke)
Gropius Bau, Niederkirchnerstr.7, 10963 Berlin–Mitte; map
And Berlin Will Always Need You is on show until 16.04.2019
Wed–Mon 10–19h
@gropiusbau
