Both exhibitions take up the theme of transformation of the European Capital of Culture Esch and resonate with the DNA of Kunsthalle Esch. Distance by Jeppe Hein is a kinetic and monumental installation. With metalworks – designing & making, around 20 artists are presented who illustrate the metalworking techniques used in contemporary design, such as casting, extruding, foaming, forging or even printing and spinning, with a selection of more than 30 objects.
Image above: Konschthal Esch, metalwork – designing & making © Remi Villaggi, Photo: Remi Villaggi
“Distance” by Jeppe Hein will completely reconfigure Konschthal Esch over several floors. The monumental installation makes a spectacular contribution to the exploration of the architectural and scenographic possibilities of the former furniture store.
The work is a site-specific installation that relates directly to the architectural configuration of the exhibition space. Its modular construction with steel rails makes it adaptable to different spatial conditions, and it is mounted in such a way that it runs through the entire building or exhibition space. Thus, the work takes on different forms depending on the spatial conditions of the exhibition space.
“Distance” invites viewers of all ages to explore the newly created Konschthal. The playful aspect of the installation contributes to the identity formation of the new cultural institution in Esch, as it aims to provide a democratic and barrier-free access to the art of today.
When a visitor enters the space, a sensor reacts and releases a sphere that starts moving and running through loops, sharp turns and other dynamic sections on the 800-meter circuit. At first, visitors follow the white plastic sphere as it moves, but as multiple visitors release a new sphere every 15 seconds, they soon lose track of their own sphere and begin to experience the entire architecture as a moving and dynamic structure. The mechanical aspect of this work is reminiscent of Esch’s industrial era, an age of machines that is now over.
A “social bench” by Jeppe Hein will be exhibited on the forecourt of Konschthal Esch. This work will be a permanent part of the tour “Art in Public Space” of the city of Esch in the summer of 2022.
Jeppe Hein (b. 1974, Copenhagen) is widely known for his production of experiential and interactive artworks that can be positioned at the junction where art, architecture, and technical inventions intersect. Notable in their formal simplicity and frequent use of humor, his sculptures and installations engage in a lively dialogue with the traditions of Minimalism and Conceptual art of the 1970s. Hein’s works often feature surprising and captivating elements which place spectators at the center of events and focus on their experience and perception of the surrounding space.
Through the exhibition “metalworks –designing&making”, the city of Esch-sur-Alzette reconnects with its industrial past. Formerly known as the “Iron Metropolis” due to its steel and mining activity, Esch-sur-Alzette has developed as a major center for the iron industry in Europe. This economic boom attracted multicultural populations until the late 1980s. Today, some of the industrial infrastructure is safeguarded and continues to operate, while other sites are being converted to contribute to the urban expansion of city.
In this historical and cultural heritage context, the Konschthal will present the work of over twenty international artists who reconnect with the tradition of industrial know-how and the craft of art, whilst experimenting with new forms of production. Over thirty selected objects –unique pieces or editions – show how current formal languages in art and design are reappropriating the techniques of metal transformation, such as casting, extruding, foaming, forging, or printing and spinning. The intrinsic quality of each proposal will be revealed by the raw aesthetics of the space and the functional character of the scenography; thus, providing an immediate reading of the gesture and the manufacturing process in question.
This exhibition will be accompanied by a publication in two languages –English and French– and a framework program for the public.
With Ron Arad, Ronan&Erwan Bouroullec, Stefan Diez, Tom Dixon, Christophe de la Fontaine, Konstantin Grcic, Thomas Heatherwick, Jakob Jørgensen, Sigve Knutson, Joris Laarman Lab, Max Lamb, Xavier Lust, Philippe Malouin, Muller Van Severen, PELLE, Lewis Power&Anthony Forsyth, Studio Swine, Linde Freya Tangelder –Destroyers/Builders, Jonas Trampedach, Maarten Van Severen, Danny Venlet, Michael Young, Oskar Zięta.
At the curatorial suggestion of Georges Zigrand. Co-curated by Charlotte Masse.
Georges Zigrand (b. 1971, Luxembourg) studied 3D design at the Haute école des arts du Rhin, Strasbourg. He moved to the UK shortly afterwards and gained his first ten years of professional experience while working for several high-profile design companies in London. In 2007 he moved back to Luxembourg where he started his own design studio and now works as an independent designer (georgeszigrand.com) on a range of different types of projects, from product and exhibition design to design strategies for institutional clients.
Charlotte Masse (b. 1982, Angers) is assistant curator at the Konschthal Esch since September 2021. Specialized in the conservation of modern and contemporary works, she has collaborated on numerous occasions with public institutions in France and Luxembourg from 2008 to 2021 on issues related to the management of collections. At the same time, she has accompanied several artistic and cultural projects within these institutions, collectives and associations.
With the support of Esch2022 –Esch-sur-Alzette, European Capital of Culture
The Konschthal Esch
In October 2021, the Konschthal Esch opened in a former furniture store and presents international artists and the Luxembourg art scene on 2,400sqm. As a place of permanent transformation, the Konschthal Esch invites international artists to reinvent the place whilst visitors can follow this process.
WHERE?
Konschthal Esch – Contemporary Art Space
29-33 boulevard Prince Henri,
4280 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
WHEN?
Saturday, 18. June – Sunday, 4. September 2022
Wed – Sun 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
 presents two exhibitions: Distance by Jeppe Hein and metalworks - designing & making from 18.06. to 04.09.2022.){kind=link}