Paths Towards Modernity III

A fictive documentary in art and fashion.

1. Walter van Beirendonck Spring/Summer 2014
2. Isa Genzken Bouquet, 2004
3. Isa Genzken Mutter Mit Kind, 2004
4. Isa Genzken Oil (Detail), 2007
5. Walter van Beirendonck Fall/Winter 2013
6. Walter van Beirendonck Fall/Winter 2009
7. Isa Genzken MLR, 1992
8. Isa Genzken Schauspieler, 2013
9. Nick Knight Dream The World Awake, 2011
10. W&LT Fall/Winter 2009
11. Isa Genzken Schauspieler, 2013
12. Isa Genzken Installation view, 2012
13. Walter van Beirendonck Fall/Winter 2012
14. Isa Genzken Fuck The Bauhaus, 2000
15. Walter van Beirendonck The Sequel, 2009
16. Walter van Beirendonck Spring/Summer 2008
17. Isa Genzken Installation view, 2012
18. Isa Genzken Mona Isa X (Gold), 2010
19. Walter van Beirendonck Fall/Winter 2013
20. Isa Genzken Schauspieler, 2013
21. Walter van Beirendonck Spring/Summer 2009
22. Walter van Beirendonck Landed-Geland Part I, 2001
23. Isa Genzken Ohr, 1980

Cardboard, plastic, mirror, spray-paint, acrylic, metal, textile ribbons, light ropes, mirror foil, colour print on paper, MDF and casters. Materials that constitute the fashion collections and art installations of Walter van Beirendonck and Isa Genzken. Glitter foil and foam structures are their totems of popular culture, stacked on top of each other.

Rather than propelling a material-ist approach of 'readymades', the works function as allegories. The matter's value is absolutely neclected and the singular parts taken out of their original purpose and meaningfulness. By re-combining this 'material', Beirendonck and Genzken create new bodies, structures and machines that are abstract and futurist in form but reminiscent of everyday, well-known ideas and domestic objects.

The end result is a 'transformational cluster' of non-related parts that are forced or molded into a new grouping. Similar to child play or alchemist experiment, both figures follow the human urge to explore the principle of cause and effect. A 'what-happens-if' working mode.
/HORST

Hamburg Picks

While appearing reserved and distant as a city, Hamburg offers a different view once following the right angles and perspectives, once willing to step out and find them. A fine selection of places, many still to be unveiled.

Best Exhibition Space
Deichtorhallen
Deichtorstraße 1-2

The grande, semi-circular hall hosts contemporary art exhibitions. Amongst others Anselm Reyle who took over the space and divided it into a light and a dark half. Even equipping the entry hall with blinking, shiny and rusty 'atelier trash'.

Best Shop
Werkhaus
Große Elbstraße 146

Alexander Wang, Dries van Noten and SILENT Damir Doma for men, Helmut Lang and Acne Studio for Women. Situated directly at the sea side in an original red brick style 'Kaufmannshaus' from 1772.

Best Flagship Store
Jil Sander
Neuer Wall 43

Visiting a Jil Sander store always feels like an exhibition, especially for retail travellers. 'Exhibited' side by side are pieces by Raf Simons for and Jil Sander as Jil Sander. Next to an arrangement of Asian antiques for an ascetic aesthetics.

Best Gourmet Food
Mutterland
Poststraße 14-16

Grey sea salt, chai tea honey or sea salt caramel. Unconventional, original and delicate combinations, products designed for display rather than hiding away. They still do exist.

Best Design Shop
punct.object
Große Elbstraße 68

A marble dining table, wooden chairs, a cubic writing desk. Here, furniture is beautifully arranged, creating geometric lines - almost like a studio-size still life. Again, a retail experience with exhibition character.

Best Spa Hotel
SIDE
Drehbahn 49

Designed by Robert Wilson, the neon light installation pending above the lobby provides a spectacular mood and luxurious 2000s feeling. Perfectly complemented by spa and pool areas as well as a high class breakfast buffet.

Best Architecture
Hafen City
Am Kaiserkai

A piece of water, elevated from its depths into the sky. The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg marks the starting point for a newly constructed, artificial yet mesmerizing city disctrict.