"Cat´s Cradle" at Bärenzwinger, Berlin

Nándor Angstenberger Salon Oblique Opening, 24. Juni 2021, 11:00–19:00 Uhr Exhibition 25. Juni – 29. August 2021 Augmented Reality: Ross Alexander Payne und Lupus Siegert Digital sculptures: MSHR, Asdrúbal Gómez, Aujik und Lupus Siegert What if the Bärenzwinger was left still and empty for 100 years? Drawing from this thought, the exhibition "Cat's Cradle" deals not only with what was, but with what is or could be. The different times of the site are visualised in the form of fine cobwebs spun between metal, thick dust wool on concrete and brown streaks drawn through the mortar. Nándor Angstenberger allows the Bärenzwinger’s architecture and its surrounding nature in the outdoor enclosures to intertwine. A new organism comes into being that inserts itself into its environment and becomes a part of it. The white-yarn installation is reminiscent of the numerous spider webs that were already present at the site. At the same time, this organism blocks the way and new paths must be sought attentively. Something else is nestled here,nsomething that at first glance is not visible. Among the stones and under the branches of the elder tree, there are virtual sculptures. These are on loan from the artists MSHR, Asdrúbal Gómez, Aujik and Lupus Siegert, and are part of an augmented reality composition that the collective Salon Oblique developed for the Bärenzwinger. Via a tablet, the virtual sculptures become visible in the outdoor area of the Bärenzwinger. This work also encourages unknown directions to be taken and a renewed exploration of the site. It is about strengthening and connecting the existing and the new. Just because something is not immediately visible, does not mean that it is not there. With the imagined vacancy of the former bear pit, there is a growing understanding and feeling for the existing space and the responsibility we all share for it. The works enter into a dialogue with one another and with the natural environment of the site. Through their networking and interlinking, they together embody the intention to promote a common becoming-with. The exhibition "Cat's Cradle" is the second in the Bärenzwinger’s annual programme Bricolage, a series researching the less visible present and history of Bärenzwinger.