Friday 17 July 2009

kunstlerhaus bethanien (photo overload? you decide!)

Today we went to Kunstlerhaus Bethanien which is a contemporary arts orginisation that provides artist residency, studio space, exhibition space, workshops, training, and many more cultural services -all housed in a VERY large, former convalescent hospital. Walking about the labyrinth of empty hallways, locked rooms, and echoing stairwells was an experience in and of its self. I felt like I was part of some isolating performance piece or on the set of a strangely beautiful film.

Here is what was on the windows and walls. And it should be noted that we arrived very early by Berlin standards (11 am) and things didn't quite open for another hour. This could account for some of the echoing emptiness. And why we managed to get ourselves locked in an abandoned stairwell long enough for things to move from 'exciting' to 'oh goodness we might be in real trouble here' (don't worry, we got out. obviously).

Kunstlerhaus Bathanien

Kunstlerhaus Bathanien

Kunstlerhaus Bathanien

Kunstlerhaus Bathanien

Kunstlerhaus Bathanien

Kunstlerhaus Bathanien

Kunstlerhaus Bathanien


Kunstlerhaus Bathanien

Kunstlerhaus Bathanien

Kunstlerhaus Bathanien

Kunstlerhaus Bathanien


Kunstlerhaus Bathanien

Cartoons and illustrations painted down every corridor, stickers all over the glass, salt 'n pepa references in the text, and we weren't even to the exhibition space yet!

okay here we go...(i will insert relevant information about this show when luke comes home and provides me with it)


Kunstlerhaus Bathanien

Kunstlerhaus Bathanien

Kunstlerhaus Bathanien

Kunstlerhaus Bathanien

Kunstlerhaus Bathanien


I really like the craft and obsessively handmade work I am seeing lately. Makes me want to make art.

By now I have decided, yes (Y-E-S!), this was a picture overload post! and I really promise to be more restrained in the future! BUT it was such a beautiful eyefull and I thought you might like it too!

After this we were starving (something about seeing art and biking all over town makes me HUGNRY) so we pedaled around kreuzburg, otherwise know as little Istanbul, getting lost until nearly all hope perished and I began wilting off my bicycle while faintly calling "luke, slow down I don't think I can make it" (because I am not dramatic or anything). But then, we found the place, and the largest platter of the most delicious turkish food was our great reward.

so yes, good day!

Now if only we had a place to live before we become homeless next week. Luke delayed that problem by buying us tickets to Paris. SO now we have another week to find a place, phew!

Until Lies gets her internet sorted out, looks like you're stuck with me and my travel posts. Best of luck Lies, and I do enjoy the technology free time. I hear you can get loads of meaningful things done when this happens.

xoxo,
Kimberlee

6 comments:

Kirsten said...

Oh my goodness what an amazing place!! Sooo jealous right now!

Jo's Place said...

What an absolutely fantastic place to visit, full of inspiration

katie said...

you can never have too many pics when they are as inspirational as these - thank you

Bronwyn Lloyd said...

What an incredible visual feast!! I love that blue embroidery madness. Looks like an exploded muppett. I can see why you'd be feeling inspired to break out the art and crafty materials and get making.

victoria said...

The pics are awesome. I like the brown cardboard installation thingy the best. Also all those stickers...
Hope you find a place quick!

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