Berlin Biennale
The berlin biennale for contemporary art was set up as an international forum for current developments within the fine arts and adjoining sectors. With its interdisciplinary approach it equally provides artists, architects, musicians, choreographers, theatre and film-makers with a platform for the presentation of their work.
49 artists from 31 countries presented their works within the bounds of the 2nd berlin biennale from 20th April - 20th June, 2001. Main locations were the Kunst-Werke Berlin, the former Postfuhramt in Berlin-Mitte as well as - for the first time this year - the five railway station arches at the Jannowitzbrücke and the exhibition rooms in the Allianz Treptowers.Saskia Bos, the curator of the 2nd berlin biennale and director of the Centre for Contemporary Art De Appel in Amsterdam, directed the orientation onto "connectedness", "commitment" and "contribution" - thinking in connections, participation and commitment - and consequently implemented a breakaway from egocentric approaches in art.
Unlike numerous exhibits in the 60s and 70s it was not about changes by society as a whole but about "one-to-one connections".Numerous artists exhibited for the first time in Germany; nearly half the works of art were created especially for the 2nd berlin biennale. The spectrum of works ranged from performances, photography and painting up to sculptures, the emphasis was on installations, film and video works. Many artists took a critical or humorous look at the art business and social themes.
Project framework: April - June 2001
Project venue: Kunst-Werke Berlin
Project partner: berlin biennale für zeitgenössische Kunst e.V., Berlin
