Exhibition
Architektonika
September 15, 2011 – January 13, 2013, Rieckhallen im Hamburger Bahnhof, Berlin
The Flick Collection’s exhibition, ‘Architektonika,’ focuses on the symbiotic relationship between contemporary art and architectural practice. Featuring an array of sculptures, photographs, film works and paintings, the art exhibited in the Rieckhallen, although primarily sourced from the Collection’s archives, is strengthened with works from the National Gallery as well as a few select loans.
Taking the 1960s as its conceptual starting point, ‘Architektonika’ presents a myriad of different spatial forms betoken of this interdisciplinary cross-roads. The installations, pictorial spaces and sculptural works on display borrow from architectural motifs; reflecting and providing commentary upon the common practices in the design of buildings and urban spaces. They primarily focus on the plastic and sculptural qualities of architectural structures, without losing sight of the socio-economic implications inherent within our constructed world. ‘Architektonika’ seeks to unlock the door on imaginary spaces, stir memories of well-known buildings and revive fantastic visions of previously- imagined futures.
In conjunction with these artworks, the exhibition also features the work of leading architects once active in Germany. Situated between Halls 2 and 3, these include Bruno Taut and Wenzel Hablik, with their designs for crystal and domed buildings dating from the early modernist period, as well as Frei Otto and Ludwig Leo who, in their own way, combined functionalism with a pictorial quality. This parallel display seeks to illustrate the importance of visionary architecture on the dialogue between art and architecture over the course of the twentieth century.
Works from the Flick Collection include pieces by Absalon, Jürgen Albrecht, Carl Andre, Sophie Calle, Nina Fischer & Maroan el Sani, Peter Fischli / David Weiss, Thomas Florschuetz, Isa Genzken, Dan Graham, Mika Taanila, Rachel Khedoori, Sol LeWitt, Gordon Matta-Clark, Bruce Nauman, Manfred Pernice, Andrea Pichl, Ascan Pinckernelle, Hermann Pitz, Dieter Roth & Björn Roth, Jason Rhoades, Anri Sala, Thomas Schütte, Thomas Struth, James Turrell and Jeff Wall.