Opening GE59 - Art is beautiful, but also makes a lot of work
he great Karl Valentin once said that, or not. Either way, we agree and add: Work is more beautiful when art is involved. May we introduce: Our rooms, our idea, our additional value: the »Art-Work-Space« GE59.
What?
GE59 is a place for views, exchange and opportunities. A place for art. For readings, lectures, discussions. For many things. One space. Actually two. With an option for three. Lots of open space inside, a little outside. Compact, but expansively flexible.
Why, HENKELHIEDL?
At the end of 2019, our office space became cramped (as measured by our standards). So we rented more on the compound. Not 15 metres across the courtyard. »GE59« was written on a note on the door there for the time of the conversion by the administration: Gewerbeeinheit 59.
Just when the work was finished, Corona stood in front of all of us, knocked in a bad mood and decided that our 30+ staff members don't need 600 sqm of office space any more either, but would be better off in a home office.
In the meantime, it has become clear that remote work will be an essential part of our everyday working life, now and »after Corona« (whenever that is). So going to the office will have to be something special in the future, not just sensible for logistical reasons. In case of doubt, incentives are needed.
The idea of turning our rooms, which are very edgy anyway, into an atypical gallery fitted in well with this. And more. Simply because it works. An »art-work-space« so to speak. Exhibiting art where others work – us.
With the opening on 11 June, this idea, initiated by Bärbl, has become reality.
Why, Bärbl Hiedl?
Since the rooms were »available, Bärbl Hiedl, the name suggests it, co-founder of our office, had the vision of filling them with more than just desks and chairs. As initiator and curator of GE59, she explains her thoughts on this.
»Passion in everything that happens here in these spaces is a priority! And the desire to bring different people together. The changing exhibitions will always transform the spaces and make things happen that we ourselves have no idea what it could be yet. It is also crucial that it is allowed to cover a wide spectrum from humour to seriousness. A place that surprises.«
Why, Ellen?
The first exhibition called »Tippschnack« by the artist Ellen Möckel can be seen until 19 September. Everything worth knowing about her biography and the background can be read at www.ge59.space.
In the interview with freelance curator friend Line Schmidt, which the two conducted via GE59's Instagram account , she provides further insights, excerpts of which are transcribed here.
DEAR ELLEN, THE TITLE OF THE EXHIBITION, »TIPPSCHNACK«, HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH IT?
The word »Tippschnack« comes from Low-German and means something like chatting on the net. Low German reminds me a little of my homeland. Just this short, fast language.
TELL US HOW THE NEW MEDIA, DISPLAY ART, INFLUENCES YOUR OWN WORK OR HOW YOU DEAL WITH IT.
The display influences us all, it's a medium that we deal with every day – at work, in our private lives, especially in the last year and a half, when we could hardly see each other. You're actually constantly sitting in front of a device, typing, watching, consuming.
YOU STARTED DRAWING RELATIVELY METICULOUSLY. NOW YOU'VE REACHED THE POINT WHERE YOU LET MACHINES DO THE WORK FOR YOU. TELL US ABOUT THE PROCESS.
Drawing is still very important for me. It's actually the starting point of my work. First there is an initial image, for example a photo of architecture or an image from the net. Then I start drawing, thinking about it. In the process, I separate out individual fragments and then load them into a graphics programme. There I take them apart again, create layers and juxtapose individual surfaces and lines.
But you rarely have access to many original graphic techniques. That's why I go to a DIY lab and can work there around the clock on laser cutters and engraving machines, for example. This gives me the freedom to work independently and discover new things.
AS LONG AS I'M WITH YOU, I HAVE THE FEELING THAT YOU'RE ALWAYS REINVENTING YOURSELF. IS THAT IMPORTANT TO YOU?
I think that's more how it grew. I haven't focused on that. I like to experiment. I'm interested in certain themes, and I stick to them. And I like the idea of being free. But the handwriting itself is not important to me. The theme comes first. The medium and technique are more a result of that and are subordinate to it.
BRUSH OR PRINTER?
Printer.
BESIDE THE TRACK OR ALONG THE LINE?
Across.
ERASE OR REVISE?
Both.
HUMAN OR MACHINE?
Man.
THANK YOU, ELLEN.
When and where?
The spaces are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 1 pm. However, it is also possible to visit outside these times by appointment. Write to us at.
GE59
Urbanstraße 116, 2nd backyard
10967 Berlin
www.ge59.space
info@ge59.space
GE59 on Facebook
GE59 on Instagram
GE59 the newsletter
The next dates:
We have to celebrate the festivals because we like them. Around that, there are always smaller events and opportunities. We recommend keeping up to date with our GE59 newsletter, on the Facebook page or via Instagram. We look forward to every visit.
And in autumn there will be new art to admire.
What remains!?
GE59 is a lot of work, but it is also beautiful. (See headline.)
