Human–Space–Machine

The advent of modern technology into daily life aroused great hopes and utopian visions at the start of the 20th century. But with the onset of the First World War, society also witnessed the destructive potential such technical achievements were capable of.
The project “Human – Space – Machines” discussed this ambivalence which is also reflected in the artistic works of the Bauhaus stage experiments. It was the first exhibition ever to exclusively present historic, original pieces – projects, drafts and concepts – developed in the theatre workshop at the State Bauhaus. It portrayed the Bauhaus stage as a place of radical experimentation with images and attitudes, as an interdisciplinary centre of artistic investigation which sought a new definition of modern man. Although the Bauhaus is mainly known today for its architecture and design, the goal was to present a more accurate image of the Bauhaus, and in so doing, formulate new interpretations of the work conducted on the Bauhaus stage.
The project invited international artists to critically examine current issues related to the Bauhaus stage and presented their positions in a discursive and performative manner. The exhibition was accompanied by a DVD publication, symposium, film programme, workshops and performances. The follow-up exhibitions in Norway and South Korea have been modified for their respective audiences on location.

Artistic directors: Torsten Blume, Christian Hiller
Research assistant: Anne Levy
Co-curators: Milena Hoegsberg (NOR), Lars Finborud (NOR), Jienne Liu (KR)
Artists: Hannah Hurtzig, LIGNA, Daria Martin (GB), Noemi Lafrance (USA), Mika Tajima (USA), Ahn Sangsoo (KR), Kyungwoo Han (KR)

Follow-up exhibitions

29 May – 14 September 2014, Henie Onstad Kunstsenter, Høvikodden, Norway
October 2014 – January 2015, National Museum of Contemporary Art, Seoul, South Korea