stairs in motion
Project: Treppen Tränen Transit (Stairs Tears Transit)
exhibition design concept
Stairs, by design, facilitate both ascent and descent, embodying their dual purpose and raison d'être. They serve as the link between two distinct elevations, metaphorically associated with various states of being and power dynamics. In visual art, figures' positions on stairs clarify their relationships, as seen in Jacomo Tintoretto's 'Temple Walk of Mary.' However, after ascent comes descent, and those who resist descending the stairs often remain bound to the climb. In contemporary politics, it's observable that despots, shortly before losing power, construct additional steps to maintain their positions. Yet, the higher the stairs, the thinner the air, the less space on the steps, and the deeper the potential fall. How many more steps can be built?
In the exhibition space, I've created an immersive experience where visitors undergo a symbolic journey. They traverse a long corridor leading to a monumental concrete staircase that narrows as it ascends 2.8m towards the ceiling. The final step is a 0.7 x 0.7m platform with plexiglass shielding, allowing a view into the exhibition space. Inside, a white cube naturalizes the objects, notably the imposing gray concrete staircase. Those on the stairs are both elevated and observed from behind plexiglass, reflecting the theme of surveillance. Close to the wall, visitors can act unobserved, referencing Foucault and de Certeau's ideas. Videos in the back corners depict abstract power ascents, encouraging exploration and movement within the space.
Typologie Szenographie; TU Bühnenbild_Szenischer Raum, 2023; Mentor: Johann Jörg; Director of Studies: Kerstin Laube