All’opera / Ans Werk!, 2017

64-piece photo series, photographs in photo boxes, variable sizes, State Opera Unter den Linden Berlin.

The extensive photo series „All’opera / Ans Werk!“ developes a diverse network of references between the opera, it´s staff, as well as the city of Berlin. Over 90,000 film stills are integrated into the panelling of the landmarked lounge, the so called „Konditorei“ (engl.: confectionery). Seen from afar they display an abstract interaction. Taking a closer look the visitor will dive into a dense network of different pictorial narratives. The filming of the twelve employees on their individual way to the opera for the dress rehersal of „Fidelio“ lays the foundation for the photographies. Part of this are e.g. the soprano, the janitor, a cellist, the costume designer or the artistic director. This results in twelve short documentaries, also containing scenes of the city of Berlin. Primarily historical, as well as present symbols of power, reign, arbitrariness, persecution or freedom, which play a central role in Beethoven´s opera of freedom.

Finally the films for the photo series, consisting of thousands of single frames, are transferred into 36 picture tableaus. From a distance the photographies appear as a abstract fabric and form a close optical connection with the second part of the picture cycle, which consist of cinematic macro photographies of textile fabrics and surfaces in the opera itself. These 28 large-sized photo boards are spread over the two side walls of the hall.

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