Harry Walter
Visit-Reihe: Der wandernde Totpunkt
At the same time, the Künstlerhaus was founded, a skilled industrial designer, living in the South of the city, began constructing a machine that was supposed to provide more energy than it was consuming. A cylinder built of permanent magnets would, once activated, move endlessly in the shape of an eight, doing work and solving the energy problem. But after a short while, the motion would stop, so that additional supporting mechanisms were needed. The machine grew and became a complex construction that still did not solve the problem of the wandering dead centre.
After 25 years of invention and development, it became a strangely looking gadget with gear wheels and ball bearings, that not only carries the history of its failure, but also the possibility to see failure as an impulse for production. Considering the machine a piece of art – which would be against its intention – it is possible to use it for an analyse of today’s art scene, especially posing the question of how art is delaying its dead centre.
The series Visit is a open platform for the presentation and discussion of contemporary art. Künstlerhaus offers to everyone interested, the possibility to propose ideas or concepts for discussions, talks and screenings. The compilation for the series is made by a group of members that meets frequently.