The idea of the studiolo, or cabinet, goes back to the Renaissance: it served as a room in which high-ranking men such as popes and rulers could occupy themselves with the arts and other scholarly pursuits. Cabinets served as a place of contemplation, but soon they were being used to exhibit works to the world. They were decorated with paneling, ornamental wood, works of art and books. If you want to see a more contemporary cabinet, you’ll find it at the RL16 art space in Mitte. Currently, artist Sunah Choi is filling its second floor showrooms with installations that draw on ancient ideas of research and reflection. In the rooms of the sprawling space (formerly an apartment), Choi has placed sculptures that resemble empty bookshelves. Stacks of books are arranged on the floor, revealing only on closer inspection that they are made of wood. Over in a darkened adjoining room, brightly painted glass panes, illuminated by a spotlight, cast light on the walls. Perhaps you’ll find enlightenment here, perhaps not. Either way, Choi’s exhibition is certainly a place for reflection.
Text: Laura Storfner / Photos: Eric Tschernow & Jens Ziehe
RL16, Rosa-Luxemburg-Str.16, 10178 Berlin–Mitte; map
Sunah Choi: Studiolo, second floor, Thu–Fri 14–18h, Sat 12–18h, until 01.05.2022
Opening times on Gallery Weekend: 29.04.–01.05.2022 12–18h
