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press release - archive
press statement |
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KioskShop berlin permanent installation by H. N. Semjon with multiple shop |
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The Berlin-based artist H.N. Semjon encounters the retail store and
the art world in a unique manner through his project "KioskShop
berlin". The permanent installation is located in the new gallery
district Mitte Nord. Since the opening last year October it has drawn about 2000 people to its site. The long term installation simulates, on the one hand, a small neighborhood store. On the other hand, the artwork plays with the perception of and triggers the reflection on the world of consumer products and its marketing, relations of consumption, as well as the social aspect of the neighborhood store. Over 1000 "Product Sculptures," are at the center of this walk-in artwork, product packagings with their contents covered in white wax - everything ranging from Brandt Zwieback, Ariel laundry detergent, Coca-cola cans, newspapers and magazines, candy, cigarettes and much more. Like in a store, the products are serially arranged in the store fixtures. The painterly white and the estranging effect of the waxed "Product Sculptures," the minimal design of the white fixtures and the brightly lit room create a distance and transcend the well-known store ambiance to another kind of perception and understanding of ones surroundings. The experience is analogous to standing before a painting, the work creates a distance and simultaneously piques a kind of curiosity. The installation was envisioned as a Work-in-progress. Like in a real store, it will constantly be replenished with new "Products" as the "Product Sculptures" themselves are sold. "KioskShop berlin" also includes an additional space where multiples and in close future "KioskShop" souvenirs (posters, postcards, T-Shirts, etc) can be purchased to contribute to the survival of the artwork. Ideally, this artistic endeavor will finance itself. "KioskShop berlin" has so far primarily been financed through a subscription system. A grant through the Berlin Senatsverwaltung also has made possible its realization. Beginning this autumn, there is the possibility to secure a "KioskShop Product Sculpture" through the second subscription campaign for a rebate of 30 %. KioskShop berlin by H.N.Semjon. Assistance: Henrik Müller, Alexandra Leavey and Swen Mündner KSb, KioskShop berlin, Schröderstr. 1, 10115 Berlin-Mitte Tel: 030-7841291, Mobile: 0175-20 82 33 9 info@kioskshopberlin.de www.kioskshopberlin.de Opening Hours: Tue-Fri 5-7 pm, Sat 2-4 pm and by appointment. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- press statement KSb, KioskShop berlin by H. N. Semjon Opening KioskShop berlin October 3rd and 6th, 2001, 5 pm - 10 pm, parallel to Art Forum Berlin and Berliner Kunstherbst Opening times from October 9: Tue-Fri 5-7 pm, Sat 2-4 pm KSb, KioskShop berlin, Schröderstr. 1, 10115 Berlin-Mitte Tel: 030-7841291 www.kioskshopberlin.de The Berlin-based artist H.N. Semjon encounters the retail store and the art world in a unique manner through his project "KioskShop berlin." The permanent installation is located in the new gallery district Nordend, Berlin-Mitte. The long term installation simulates, on the one hand, a small neighborhood store. On the other hand, the artwork plays with the perception of and triggers the reflection on the world of consumer products and its marketing, relations of consumption, as well as the social aspect of the neighborhood store. At the center of this walk-in artwork are over 1000 "Product Sculptures," product packagings with their contents covered in white wax - everything ranging from Brandt Zwieback, Ariel laundry detergent, Coca-cola cans, newspapers and magazines, candy, cigarettes and much more. Like in a store, the products are serially arranged in the store fixtures. The painterly white and the estranging effect of the waxed "Product Sculptures," the minimal design of the white fixtures and the brightly lit room create a distance and transcend the well-known store ambiance to another kind of perception and understanding of ones surroundings. The experience is analogous to standing before a painting, the work creates a distance and simultaneously piques a kind of curiosity. The installation was envisioned as a Work-in-progress. Like in a real store, it will constantly be replenished with new 'Products' as the "Product Sculptures" themselves are sold. "KioskShop berlin" also includes an additional space where multiples and "KioskShop" souvenirs (posters, postcards, T-Shirts, etc) can be purchased to contribute to the survival of the artwork. Ideally, this artistic endeavor will finance itself. "KioskShop berlin" has so far primarily been financed through a subscription system. A grant through the Berlin Senate will allow for the completion of the project. There is still the possibility to secure a "KioskShop Product Sculpture" at the subscription price until October 2, 2001, thereby contributing to the realization of a permanent artwork. For more information about KSb, please call under +49-30-784 12 91. In addition a visit to the project with the artist can also be arranged. KSb - KioskShop berlin von H. N. Semjon. Assistance: Henrik Müller |