In its second exhibition after moving into the newly designed Blockhaus, the Archive of the Avant-Garde – Egidio Marzona (ADA) is dedicating a comprehensive presentation to visionary architectural concepts, building utopias and dystopias of the 20th century from 16 November 2024. During these decades, architects were called upon to respond to numerous crisis situations and global events. Around 200 exhibits, including drawings, models, objects and publications, tell of a hopeful belief in progress or cautionary scepticism about life in the future. In view of today’s social challenges, these ideas of the world of yesteryear seem more relevant than ever.
Image above: Buckminster Fuller beim Marine Corps Helikopterlift einer Geodätischen Kuppel, Orphan’s Hill, North Carolina, USA, 1954© The Estate of R. Buckminster Fuller
The collection presentation in the centre of the exhibition area presents ten positions, including individual architects as well as collectives and loose groupings. It begins with early 20th century visions by Paul Scheerbart (1863-1915) and Bruno Taut (1880-1938), in which nature and the cosmos are aspects that flow into the architecture. Concepts by Richard Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983), such as the mobile domed buildings and the associated reminder to use resources responsibly, lead on to the positions of the post-war period. In the course of the euphoria of progress in the 1960s and 1970s, with the moon landing and the oil crisis as historical caesuras, utopian and dystopian visions of life emerged in equal measure in the context of the Italian ‘Architettura Radicale’. The spectrum is broad: Ironic positions such as those of Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007)or the artist groups Haus-Rucker-Co and Coop Himmelb(l)au can be found alongside designs by Superstudio and Raimund Abraham (1933-2010), in which cosmic fantasies are combined with archaic building forms. Leonardo Mosso (1926-2020) is presented as an artist in whose work the examination of cybernetics leads to a radically reduced formal language. The knowledge of the fragility of ecosystems results in concepts of alternative architecture. Curiosity about new materials and forms gives way to a fundamental scepticism towards conventional construction and the effects of modern urban planning, resulting in more modest visions and a demand for the appreciation of regional cultures and knowledge. What is the dimension of the solutions to the problems of the present? Who will shape the future? Can crises be overcome by technical means? Or can only modesty and renunciation help?
Emerging from the collection presentation, the artist duos Hristina Ivanoska & Yane Calovsky and WIRKUSPRIES are two contemporary positions that deal with the architectural legacy of two women in artistic contributions: Iskra Grabul (1936-2008) and Helena Syrkus (1900-1982). The ‘Discursive Space’ will be created here, where various events will take place over the duration of the exhibition. While Ivanoska and Calovsky will show their installation ‘Makedonium’ for the entire duration of the exhibition, the dancer and choreographer Nitsan Margaliot will accompany the opening weekend with his performance ‘Longing to Suspend’. From 19 November 2024 to 12 January 2025, the installation ‘We are Millenium Stars’ by WIRKUSPRIES will follow, framed by two readings. Afterwards, the ‘Discursive Space’ will change again to create space for lectures, discussions and collaborative work. Contributions and workshops will explore the positions of female architects of the 20th century, who have so far hardly found a place in the male-dominated reception of art and culture.
Seen in the spectrum of the entire exhibition, the title ‘Building Worlds’ refers not only to the numerous, mainly unfinished projects of visionary architects of the 20th century, but also to the activity of designing and constructing all areas of social life – architecture, photography, video, dance and writing as equally important, constructing activities.
The ADA is currently participating in the exhibition ‘The Very First Edition – Artists’ Books from the Marzona Collection’ (27 October 2024 – 26 January 2025) as part of a cooperation with the Neue Nationalgalerie and the Kunstbibliothek – Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. In addition, numerous loans are included in the exhibition ‘But live here? No thanks. Surrealism + Anti-Fascism’ (15 October 2024 – 2 March 2025) at the Lenbachhaus in Munich.
WHEN?
Exhibition dates: Saturday, 16 November 2024 –
WHERE?
Dresden State Art Collections
Taschenberg 2
01067 Dresden
COST?
5 EUR, reduced 4 EUR, all pupils and students free
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