Tino Sehgal: This joy

Neue Kammern von Sanssouci

With "This joy", the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg (SPSG) is showing a work conceived in 2020 by artist Tino Sehgal in the New Chambers in Potsdam's Sanssouci Park - and thus for the first time in the context of a historic palace space. Sehgal, who describes his works as "constructed situations", has been dealing with climate protection issues for many years and is committed to sustainability in the art world. This debate underlies his artistic approach, which is based on works that are produced without the use of material resources. In the context of the exhibition "Re:Generation. Climate change in the green world heritage - and what we can do", the artist, who was born in London in 1976 and lives in Berlin, is presenting a work in which he refers to compositions by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827).

"This joy" activates the Blue Gallery, an impressive late work of the Frederician Rococo period, with historical and contemporary sounds and invites visitors into an immersive experience of movement and sound. Excerpts from six pieces of music by Beethoven, including the famous final movement "Ode to Joy" from the 9th Symphony, are reinterpreted in song and movement by two performers. The artist has the following to say about the decision to show "This joy" in a historic castle room:

"This sequence of events would have been possible in this location - technically speaking - 200 years ago. [...] Back then, the castle was intended for the king's guests and is now a tourist destination. So if in the past music was played unamplified for an exclusive court society, today we do the same, only for an open [...] circle of visitors."

With this cooperation, the SPSG is breaking new ground and opening up contemporary perspectives on one of its historic palaces, which visitors can perceive and experience in a special way in conjunction with the presentation of "This joy". General Director Prof. Dr. Christoph Martin Vogtherr says, "More than the other palaces in Potsdam, the New Chambers were designed as a social space - for guests and events. [...] You can feel this immediately when you walk through the rooms. I am therefore very excited to see how the rooms will feel when you experience 'This joy'."

Sehgal's works, which are shown in museums around the world, create situations of spontaneous encounters in which visitors become participants. His works do not require objects and exist exclusively in the moment of their performance, as they are neither documented nor reproduced in the media. take the opportunity to enjoy a special experience - we look forward to seeing you there.Translated with DeepL

Runtime: Wed, 11/09/2024 to Sun, 06/10/2024

Price: €8.00

Reduced price: €6.00

Takes place here:

• Park Sanssouci - Neue Kammern