Jakob Spengemann, Akinori Tao – While We’re Gone

In their exhibition While We’re Gone, conceived especially for the Kunsthaus, the Hamburg artists Jakob Spengemann and Akinori Tao convert apparent voids into explicit statements. At first sight, it seems as if the exhibition space has been abandoned in the midst of being remodelled. It is only a moment later that sculptures, objets trouvés and sound arranged into subtle compositions draw attention to the peripheries of the space, to its flaws and shortcomings. In an atmospheric play with ambiguities, the exhibition hall serves as a link between the visible and the invisible as well as between production and presentation. The site itself remains a “work in progress”.

The project refers to the transience of the staged space and enquires into the temporal potential of architecture. It addresses the uncertain future and ongoing loss of useable space for many art and culture professionals in Hamburg. Thus, it also reflects on the current state of limbo of the Kunsthaus, which was relocated from its original location at Ferdinandstor to the former market hall in 1993. Long-pending renovation work on the building and the expansion of the neighbouring concert hall have necessitated another move in the near future.

Curated by Anna Nowak

Kindly supported by Claussen-Simon-Stiftung

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