About the exhibition:

“Into Space” addresses humanity’s longing for outer space, zero gravity, faraway galaxies and a faith in energies outside our current powers of comprehension and perception. In the show, three sculptors reflect on the intersections of art, science and philosophy across a century and from a Berlin point of view. After the exhibition “Lynn Chadwick, Hans Uhlmann, Katja Strunz”, which explored the concept of the “fold” at Haus am Waldsee in 2019, it is now the turn of Björn Dahlem (b. 1974), Berta Fischer (b. 1973) and Naum Gabo (1890–1977) to enter into a conversation on and across space and time.

By the early 1920s Naum Gabo viewed art as a means to knowledge of the physics of our planet. The Russian-Jewish artist, who had emigrated to Berlin, was permanently looking for new materials and ways to express himself. He did this not just for the sake of the new, but rather “to find within myself an expression for the new outlook on the world surrounding me as well as for the new insights into the forces of life and nature”. His extraordinary constructions made of diaphanous plastics were perceived to be pure science fiction.

These days, Berta Fischer primarily works with acrylic glass. Essentially, her practice revolves around the choreography of light, transparency, colour and movement in space. Seemingly outside the realm of gravitation, her often hanging sculptures imbue the disorderly and the unpredictable with a presence. Her installations were specifically created for this exhibition and engage the works of both Björn Dahlem and Naum Gabo in a close dialogue.

Björn Dahlem deals with space and time on the basis of theories from the academic disciplines of philosophy, particle and astrophysics as well as recent insights gained in the field of quantum mechanics. For his practice he employs wooden panels, found objects, fluorescent tubes, incandescent light bulbs and wire. Dahlem consciously operates against the backdrop of knowledge, doubt and even the possibility of the sciences failing across the board. 



Curated by: Katja Blomberg

An exhibition catalogue is published  in German and English at Verlag Walther König. With texts by Matilda Felix and Katja Blomberg. Hardcover, 64 pages, 24 Euro.