On Thursday 09 September 2021 at 4pm, the exhibition »deep states« opens at Bärenzwinger Berlin with works by BBB_ (Alla Popp & Alex Traka), Korhan Erel, Gosia Lehmann, Lukas Liese, Kristina Paustian and ZUGANG Kollektiv (Bruno Siegrist, Ada Kopaz, Can Kurucu, Tama Ruß).
The term 'deep state' in its original meaning refers to a belief in a conspiracy, a secret shadow cabinet that secretly rules the world. Meanwhile, the term ‘deep states’ holds a second meaning, referring to certain moods or emotional states. In the exhibited works, the invited artists explore critical and dystopian scenarios, as well as feelings of powerlessness, mistrust or "fear of the other'' - feelings which have become increasingly apparent during the current pandemic.
The exhibition explores the emotive backgrounds of conspiracy narratives in a place - the Köllnischer Park – that itself was once (in 1825) administered by the Masonic lodge called “Zu den drei Weltkugeln” (“To the three globes”). By designing the park to include an orangery, a temple, a pyramid and a labyrinth, the lodge members created a mysterious atmosphere that can still be felt at Bärenzwinger today. In the context of the exhibition, the unusual interior of the former bear pit has been transformed into a multi-layered labyrinth in which critical approaches towards knowledge are interwoven with affective images. The labyrinth stands metaphorically for unmanageable circumstances that are difficult to categorise, as well as for the search for solutions and answers to questions about its beginning and end, and in extension our unknown and unconscious future.
The exhibition »deep states« is the third part of the programme »Bricolage«.
Exhibition »deep states«
09 September – 21 November 2021
With BBB_ (Alla Popp & Alex Traka), Korhan Erel, Gosia Lehmann, Lukas Liese, Kristina Paustian and ZUGANG Kollektiv (Bruno Siegrist, Ada Kopaz, Can Kurucu, Tama Ruß).
Curation Exhibition
Maja Smoszna
Curation Events
Lara Huesmann, Annika Maus and Lusin Reinsch