Berlin’s modern art museum, Berlinische Galerie, is not large but it is packed full of interesting installations, projections, paintings and photographs. Even approaching the Galerie is interesting. Anyone who has been involved in political campaigns will be familiar with the process of “burma shaving,” placing a row of signs each with part of a message so once the reader has (usually) driven by all the signs, she has read the entire message. Burma Shave, the shaving cream company, used to advertise this way hence the name. For two blocks approaching the Galerie there were signposts with comments. Only a few were in English; one such was “You can imagine the opposite.”
The Galerie itself is lovely inside and out. The forecourt is paved with yellow squares containing letters which presumably spell something in German. Even a check with Wikipedia did not disclose the message. The interior of the building is bright and airy.
One projection I found quite … arresting. It was a gruesome and outlandish (from my perspective) full length film by John Bock. Here is a photo of a moment in that film.
And for the installation in the clip below, I needed the guidance of my niece, Becca, who understands modern art. Not having Becca to hand, I remain mystified by this one. The clip is only 10 seconds long but it shows everything this installation does. The moving part appears to be a stuffed paper bag.
The Galerie’s large collection of photographs is a treat to behold. Some of the collection is exhibited as photographs only; others are integrated into rooms with paintings to show the development of both media at the same time. I loved this Galerie. I particularly liked an exhibition of Tobias Zielony photos. You can see them, and more, here. http://www.kow-berlin.info/artists/workgroups/tobias_zielony/87EDF055BA4A38645715067B32A46C4A Were I in Berlin longer I would be revisiting for sure.
A long, mostly misdirected walk and a short U Bahn ride took me under the Brandenburg Gate to the Reichstag Building. I good naturedly posed for a photo with a clown only to discover afterwards that it cost me 1€ to do so! 🙂
The original Reichstag building was opened in 1894 and housed the Imperial Diet until 1933 when it was severely damaged by fire. After World War II the building was more or less abandoned. It underwent reconstruction and opened in 1999 when it became the seat of the German government. During the reconstruction a dome was built upon the roof as a symbol of the missing original cupola. Here is a stock photo of the Reichstag and dome – I couldn’t manage this angle for some reason!
Going up into the dome is free, but an appointment is needed. Groups of people are allowed in, in 15-minute intervals. I passed through security and when admitted to the building was first herded with my group into a glass ante-chamber where the door behind us closed. Once closed, the door in front opened and we were directed to the elevator for a non-stop ride to the roof.
After some examination and help from a gentleman who had already made this discovery, I found myself in the mirrors of the central column. If you squint you can see me. I have marked my triple-exposure selfie to help you out!
Not far from the Reichstag building is a small memorial to a few East Germans who were killed trying to flee to the West. There are reminders everywhere of Berlin’s divided past. I shall check out Checkpoint Charlie before I leave the city.
That’s all for today. I am off to Museum Island to take in what I can before returning in time to go to my home exchange partner’s English literature class. Jutta is here with me – our exchange is not simultaneous and she has been a great help during my visit. I’ve been a good student and have read today’s discussion piece – a short story by Raymond Carver. It’s been a while since I’ve been an English lit student. Should be fun!
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