Kunsthaus Tacheles

 Monday, June 25.

In the morning, some of us went to the cemetery near by to get some photo's for critique tomorrow.  It was interesting to see many of the gravestones with Hebrew lettering.  After that, we went to Alexanderplatz to see get some more pictures... and of course, shopping!  I bought a skirt, two tanks, flats, a belt, and tights (tights are sooooo trendy in Berlin).




After resting for a bit, we went on an Art excursion to Kunstaus Tacheles.  On our way we found this cute little Dachshund printed all over some doorways.

Kunsthaus Tacheles "Art House, Talking Straight" was what I expected and not what I expected all at the same time. It is an alternative art gallery in what was once a department store, and a Nazi administrative center/prison during the war.  Every bit of space, inside and out, is covered in colorful graffiti, just as I expected.  I also thought it would be a little more organized, while I appreciate the use of found materials, like cardboard boxes, as signs, I thought there would be more information, and more of the feeling of an art museum/gallery within this unique space.

The place had a weird vibe, where I wanted to make sure I was with one of my group members at all times.  It honestly reminded me of a haunted house, not sure what you would get around the next corner.  The first room we walked into was closest to being like an art museum.  It was a large room with monumental paintings covering the walls, and sculptures made from what looks like found materials surrounding the space.  While a little chaotic, this still gave the feel of a museum, albeit a very alternative one.  There were books and cards that could be purchased, cardboard "plaques" signifying some authors, mediums, and dates, etc., and even an artist statement by Alex Rodin who painted the large images titled "Global Warning".

The upper floors functioned more as gallery spaces, though only a couple had impressive bodies of work.  While the artwork was interesting, the space made every viewer talk a brisk walk around the whole place, and then leave.  It was hard to tell whether visitors were gaining anything from their trip to Tacheles.

The mission to save Tacheles was evident throughout the space.  I think that this space could be utilized in just a very slightly different way to create a unique and prominent experience in the Berlin life.  If less was focused on the squatting and more emphasis was placed on creating an alternative art gallery with a message, or a place where people are free to showcase, sell, and create their work, I think that Kunsthaus Tacheles would be better received by the public and the city of Berlin.

Since the building has been declared a historical landmark, I hope that this means Kunsthaus Tacheles will survive.  I would like to see the museum like space throughout the building, working less on shock value and more on true meaning behind the works.  The idea of an alternative art space is unique and could be something truly meaningful, but it is lost in the mess of the Tacheles space.  I think that implementing new strategies could garner more interest in the space.  The website was organized by history and artists which should be made more prominent at the actual location.  Creating a more museum-like atmosphere, while maybe sacrificing some "authenticity", could make visitors more appreciative of the work.