MARTIN MERTENS, BERLIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Antje Blumenstein (D) -„Wundersame Behausung“

Antje Blumenstein current work deals with the question of the meaning of religion in our secular society. The installation "Wundersame Behausung" (wondrous accommodation) treats the renewed emergence of religious communities, their social relevance and their influence on social discussions. Like in the work from 2008 "religiös unmusikalisch 1-5" (religious unmusical 1 -5) she refers in her a work to a piece from the history of art - in this case a cut-out from Botticelli "Mystic Nativity" from the year 1500. Botticelli, in his late work strongly influenced by the repentance preachers Savonarola, who ruled after the Medici in Florence with puritanical and with strong faith, shows the scene in an exaggerate manner. Surprising are not only the gestures of the angels and figures but also the chosen housing of the scene. Blumenstein puts this "accommodation" ironically into a sculpture that can be walked on. With simple materials like wood and polystyrene she takes Botticellis lines and scrutinizes his and our religious influence. With opulent ornaments (including sequin, glass bead, border) she converts the "accommodation" into temple of kitsch, celebrating itself.

MARTIN MERTENS
Brunnenstraße 185, 2 H.H.
D–10119 Berlin
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