2011, Berlin
Gift
A double-layered play on words, this installation highlights the frailties and myopia of the upcoming reconstruction of the Palace of the Republic, on the sight of the original. Berlin's peculiar relationship with its history often leads to counterproductive responses. In a time of economic uncertainty, this financial commitment to reconstructing an historical monument of such scale is questionable, as are the motives. Gift remedies this situation by providing Berlin with its desired Schloss, whilst symbolising the monetary commitment that such a project entails. Although short in duration, The Gift is the start of a conversation on the politics of space. Poison | palace | lock | gift. The shape shifting nature of this installation and its message demands a response. As the Mayor of Berlin says, "Berlin ist arm, aber sexy".
Feat: Felix Friedrich
Photo: Sonja Tranbandt
Thanks : Marie Rømer Westh, Rocco, Mehdi, Moritz, Redy