No matter where I go in Berlin there is always some form of (re)construction going on. I'm finding myself altering my photo compositions in order to crop out the ever-present construction sites that loom in the background. The signs of modernity seem to intrude in on the photos creating a juxtaposition of historical preservation and reconstruction; the present attempting to preserve the past. The preserved history we find in monuments and buildings represent the past and the construction represents the present being defined by the past.
Whenever I look at a historical monument or building I have to ask myself about authenticity and what can be even considered as such. After all, what could be more authentic about Berlin if not it's history as represented by the architecture? However, with reconstruction in place, can we consider them authentically representative of their time? By attempting to preserve a lost time period, are we impeding on it's relevance?
In a sense, this is the aesthetic of Berlin in a nutshell: constantly, we are being made aware of the battle between reconstruction and original preservation. It's as if the past is being overshadowed by the present and vice versa.
Behind Schinkel we see the Bauakadamie which has a canvas- facade that has the appearance of the original building.
If nothing is "actually" authentic, then what's going on here? Interesting question ...
ReplyDeleteI think construction equipment might actually make a good *object* of your photos - since it seems almost more prominent than the monuments!