David Claerbout
The Realtime Disintegration of the Berlin Olympia over the Course of a Thousand Years
A monumental double projection that portrays the gradual ruin of the Berlin Olympiastadion in real-time, devoid of human intervention. The film tirelessly runs day and night, year after year, faithfully mirroring the climatic changes in Berlin, which are downloaded in real-time.
This slow and deliberate act of revenge against the concepts of Empire and architecture seeks to illustrate their power. The urgency in constructing the Stadion, paradoxically sensitive to climatic conditions, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The artist’s intention is for viewers to redirect their gaze, devoid of significant events, towards what truly stands grand and monumental: time itself.
The Stadion, initially conceived by architects as a three-dimensional postcard, serves a purpose beyond mere impression. Its design, aimed not just to impress but to overwhelm, imparts a theatrical quality, rendering it a striking subject of composition from any perspective. Claerbout’s virtual photograph seamlessly collaborates with these power dynamics.
The exhibition features two significant projections: the first, an elliptical camera movement around the central arena, and the second, projected on a vertical screen, capturing intricate details, always in real-time. The meticulous programming and construction of the initial 50 years are undertaken by members of Claerbout’s studio, with another studio slated to take over for the ongoing realization of this ambitious and enduring project.
Artist Bio
David Claerbout (born 1969 in Kortrijk, Belgium) is a contemporary artist known for his work in video, photography, and digital media. Claerbout’s practice blurs the lines between still and moving images, often creating pieces that challenge perceptions of time and reality. His work frequently explores themes of memory, history, and the passage of time, using advanced digital techniques to create immersive and contemplative experiences. Claerbout’s installations often feature slow-moving or seemingly static scenes that reveal subtle changes upon closer inspection, encouraging viewers to engage deeply with the work. His innovative approach to visual art has garnered international recognition, with exhibitions in major museums and galleries worldwide.
Themes: ruins, waste, technofossils
extraction, transport, infrastructure
Category: Found Objects