THE ESSENCE OF ARCHITECTURE AT HAMBURG WEKSTATT FOTOGRAFIE
What is this?
This is the essence of architecture, revealed to the eye of a gentle donkey. In an unlucky strike – it is all the photographer’s fault – the eye morphs into a glaringly dead pupil reproduced on a cigarette box.
But why is this the essence of architecture? Because the architect pulls themselves together and makes it pile up and places layer upon layer, creating a solid column that will carry the building, standing on its own or in a row with other columns. At the same time, she lets go, allows it all to spread out in a stony cataract. The essence of architecture is the sphincter.
But why is the essence of architecture revealed to the eye of a donkey? Because the donkey, unburdened and receptive, willing to capture and be captured, crosses the yard with elegance and alacrity. Its image vanishes into the concrete surface of a tiny memorial. Shit happens. The stable collapses. Will the zinc-coated watering-can be used for a shower in the golden night?
Alexander García Düttmann
Rut Blees Luxemburg in conversation with Tobias Zielony
