One
peace of artwork in the Basement of the Reichstag has the names of all former
German members of parliament written across the walls of the basement. It is meant to represent the foundations of
German democracy. The names of Nazi
members of parliament are included and members murdered by the Nazis are specially
marked. This way this artwork can be
used as memorial, a monument and a warning.
Foster’s
glass dome is also symbolic. German architecture has favoured glass as a
material in recent decades. This is
because it is felt by some in the architectural community that glass being used
as a building material is in opposition to the Nazi architect Albert Speer’s
architectural practices. Speer preferred
concrete based architecture that would look impressive even as ruins. Glass was felt to be less obstructive and
overwhelming and more transitionary to a new age. Glasses’ transparency could also be seen as more adequate at representing democracy
than concrete which does not let people see inside.
Bibliography
Kabisch, Wolfgang. "Film." Destucher
Bundenstag. Web, http://www.bundestag.de/htdocs_e/artandhistory/art/film_reichstag/film_reichstag/202296.p
Loepnick,
Lutz. "Redeeming Hisory? Foster's Dome and the Political Aesthetic of the
Berlin Republic ." German Studies Review. 24. no. 2 (2001): 302-323.
6 comments:
The artwork/ memorial in the basement sounds very interesting. It definitely would have been cool to see. Do you think the artwork that you know of speaks more to Berlin/Germany's past? Or does it look to the future?
Mostly the past, the artist sees it as a foundation, that will grow with time.
If the glass building material that was used to construct the dome is a recent favortism to German architecture would that not make the peice look towards the future instead of the past?
I agree with Amanda. How can one create an artwork that speaks to Germany's past but "grow with time"?
Amanda, Jennifer and I are referring to the artwork in the basement of the Reichstag which I mentioned in my post.
You've also confused Emily.
As for how it will grow I'm assuming they plan to add to it based on the what the artwork in the basement is and
You'd know what it is if you'd have paid some attention.
My comment is still is valid. How can the artwork/memorial be based off of the past if "they plan to add to it". If they are planning to add to it, wouldn't that be considered looking into the future in your opinion?
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