© Jan Bitter
As part of our 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale coverage, we present the completed German Pavilion. To read the initial proposal, refer to our previously published post, “’Unbuilding Walls’: German Pavilion at 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale to Probe Architecture of Division and Integration.”
Curated by GRAFT and Marianne Birthler, the German pavilion explores architectures of division and inclusion. In a light-filled space, black panels create division. The initial simplicity of the panels is complicated by their opposite sides, where text and images explicate the impact of wall-building worldwide.
© Jan Bitter
The space opens up as visitors walk through the panels, seemingly transcending the wall’s fabricated division. Past the panels, a video installation called the “Wall of Opinions” gives a voice to people impacted by physical division worldwide, from the USA/Mexico border to the North and South Korean border. Reflected in a mirror, their stories and the wall appear infinite.
© Jan Bitter
© Jan Bitter
© Jan Bitter
© Jan Bitter
© Jan Bitter