Programme, Esch2022 - news

Visits to the Möllerei succeed each other in preparation for the exhibitions

Model of the Möllerei under renovation ©Esch2022

After the first site visit on 8 February 2021 by the curators of Haus der elektronischen Künste (HeK) Basel in preparation for the exhibition ‘Remix Nature’ (working title), two further curatorial teams in charge of major Esch2022 exhibitions explored the extraordinary space of the Möllerei, which is currently under renovation. These site visits are the result of a close collaboration between the Esch2022 cultural programme team and the international partners involved. Their work, which started several months ago based on digital mock-ups, has now reached a new, decisive stage. One of the main challenges is the integration of the exhibitions’ contemporary themes in a space marked by its industrial past.

On 3rd March 2021, Anett Holzheid, scientific assistant to Peter Weibel at the Zentrum für Kunst und Medien (ZKM) and Blanca Gimenez (coordination), in charge of the inaugural exhibition of the European Capital of Culture, visited the Möllerei. They were thrilled by the numerous possibilities it offers (technical room, machine room, inclined walls, ramp, etc.) as well as by the outside spaces surrounding it. After visiting the Learning Center, which can also accommodate artworks and documentation related to the exhibition at the Möllerei, they were particularly impressed by the view from the top of the blast furnaces.

The following day, Pit Péporté (Historical Consulting), curator of the exhibition ‘Perspectives of Europe’ (working title), and the Tinker Imagineers team, who will be designing the closing exhibition of Esch2022, were equally captivated by the space and exterior of the Möllerei. Their visit enabled them to visualise the display of the exhibition on site. The exhibition will offer a view at what defines Europe and the Europeans. While exploring Europe from various perspectives, it will be structured around six clichés about Europe which, as all clichés do, contain an element of truth while also expressing bias.

HACKING IDENTITY – DANCING DIVERSITY

In collaboration with ZKM | Zentrum für Kunst und Medien

Curators: Prof. Peter Weibel & Dr. Anett Holzheid

February–May 2022

Perspectives of Europe (working title)

A collaboration between Historical Consulting & tinker

Curators: Sophie Neuenkirch, Pit Péporté

Exhibition design: tinker

December 2022–March 2023