Felix Kiessling’s Taumel Exhibition

An art show that explores chaotic transformations and altering forces that shape urban settings.

Berlin-based conceptual artist Felix Kiessling opened his latest solo show at alexander levy gallery. Named “Taumel” or “Tumult”, the exhibition explores the effects and tension caused by industrialization in large cities. Similarly to his other work, the show focuses on finding order in chaos, tension, decay, and the connection between humans and the places they inhabit. For Taumel, the artist focused on urban environments. The exhibition features several individual artworks that create a connecting narrative in a large room. The artist used materials common in urban settings, from paving slabs and old bike frames to construction materials.

Right from the start, visitors get a feel for the artist’s intent as they step on paving slabs one would normally find in any large city. However, some of these slabs wobble and provide a slightly uneven surface to walk on, inducing a sense of uncertainty. At the same time, the flooring surface hints at the show’s concept. Another artwork uses bicycle frames in a skeletal composition that reminds of the discarded bikes that gather rust throughout cities. Here, the frames feature a fresh coat of paint and transform into a wall sculpture that re-purposes urban artifacts while highlighting the relationship between mass production and individuality.

Other works feature metal doors deformed by concrete weights and painted in white and orange; metal beams that pin drywall profiles onto the ceiling in a tense but perfectly balanced construction; and old plastic seats on concrete bases. Felix Kiessling’s Taumel show runs from September 11 to October 24, 2020. Photographs© Trevor Good.