KAPOOR IN BERLIN

all images by Anneli Bootz / artfridge, courtesy Martin-Gropius-Bau and Anish Kapoor

Anish Kapoor’s first large solo show in Germany “Kapoor in Berlin” was one of the most highly anticipated openings so far this year. Displayed in the soaring glass house of Martin-Gropius-Bau, which is a visual treasure itself with its intricate mosaic and the renaissance-styled architecture, the setting seems to be ideal for the enormous works of the celebrated Indian sculptor.

Kapoor’s work “Symphony for a Beloved Sun” comprises the entire spacious atrium of the building. The installation’s centre piece is a monumental red circle, surrounded by conveyer bands that transport chunks of red wax upwards and automatically guide the gaze up into the beauty of the vitreous ceiling. And then you wait. You wait for the red wax to fall all the way down onto the floor; you wait for the moment when the somewhat soft appealing material makes a smacking noise while hitting one of the various red islands that mark the process of the already plunged pieces. Most compelling are two impressions: a sincere aesthetic but also an ominous atmosphere. Designed especially for the art space in Berlin, “Symphony for a Beloved Sun” is both, a combination of a sculptural work and theatrical scenery but also a manifesto of historical reference. As a tribute to former exhibitions it brings to mind Joseph Beuy’s work “Lehmlinge” designed for the “Zeitgeist” exhibition at the same atrium after the Second World War, where Beuys amassed a six metre high pile of Berlin clay to remind of the city’s post-war era. Playing into a direct symbiosis of historical reference, movement, architecture, colour, sound and silence, Kapoor manages to create a work of multiple influences.

ARTIST WATCH: JON PILKINGTON

all images courtesy and copyright Jon Pilkington

Pink, yellow, pastel blue - the right colours for a sunny Sunday. The British artist Jon Pilkington (*1990), who currently studies at Chelsea College of Art and Design in London, does colourful paintings and beautiful drawings. Some of the paintings, especially the small formats, seem to have been created in an emotional process, showing large and free brushstrokes. Others (mostly his larger pictures) have a much deeper spatiality and are filled with little figurative forms, smaller brushstrokes and lines and doodle elements. Certainly an artist to watch. For more info visit the artist's website: jonpilkington.co.uk

INTERVIEW: MAUD PIQUION

"How do I find a gallery?" - the most frequent question that Maud Piquion is asked to answer. The French art manager gives workshops about the practical aspects of the art world, she lectures at international universities and coaches aspiring artists. Currently working at Galerie Thomas Schulte in Berlin, Maud can already look back on a successful career herself: Without having any experience in the art business, she opened her first gallery in the age of 24. A tough cookie. The real cause for her success, however, lies in her discipline and her charisma: Maud sparkles with enthusiasm - it's almost contagious. While we are having self-made blueberry pancakes and espresso in her beautiful top-floor apartment in Berlin-Neukölln, Maud told me about her move from France to Germany, her critical relationship with the past and her current projects. Find the interview below or click HERE.

RALF DEREICH: FREEL

all works by Ralf Dereich, "Freel" (27.04 - 08.07) at Cruise & Callas, Berlin; Courtesy Cruise & Callas, Berlin; photos by artfridge

Some months ago, Ralf Dereich told me in an interview that he was already thinking about a title for his upcoming show at Cruise & Callas in Berlin. While merely numbering his singular works, his shows always have striking titles. Now the show is running and it's called "Freel", which sounds to me a little like a hybrid of Free and Feel. Two emotionally charged terms. On the flyer, the pastel blue lettering stretches over a cloudy white background.