A New Chapter: Saraceno’s Long-awaited Exhibition
Discover the expansive world of “Ancestral Futures,” the innovative work by Tomás Saraceno at Haus der Kunst in Munich. Open until February 7, 2027, this exhibition transcends traditional art boundaries, weaving together two decades of research into air, webs, and interspecies communication. The highlight? A permanent land art commission created with Indigenous communities in Argentina, redefining ownership and engagement with art. With this land art unveiled, Saraceno engages audiences in a dialogue about cultural and ecological connections.
The Dual Narrative of Air and Webs
Saraceno’s exhibit explores two major themes: the Aerocene Foundation’s quest for fossil-fuel-free flight and Arachnophilia’s fascinating dialogue with spiders. In 2020, the Aerocene Pacha flight over Argentina shattered sustainability records, demonstrating groundbreaking green technology. Meanwhile, Arachnophilia invites you to perceive the world as a spider does, through a network of vibrational webs. The land art unveiled by Saraceno complements these narratives, integrating the knowledge and artistry of Indigenous communities.
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El Santuario del Agua: Permanent Land Art Unveiled
The centerpiece, El Santuario del Agua, manifests the collaboration between Saraceno, Haus der Kunst, and Indigenous communities. This permanent land art piece not only serves as a sculpture but also as an ecological and territorial statement. Artistic director Andrea Lissoni remarks on its organic growth from the landscape, resembling expanding salt crystals. With this land art unveiled, the exhibition provides a monumental tribute to shared cultural heritage.
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A Lesson in Collective Governance
What makes this project stand out is its governance model. Ownership remains with the eleven Indigenous communities that helped create it, ensuring the continuation of their cultural narratives. Lissoni emphasizes the innovative decision-making process that places control and knowledge back in the hands of those living in the Salinas Grandes. This is not just art; it is a movement, with its land art unveiled as a symbol of community empowerment.
From Accidental Origins to Vibrational Realms
This project roots back to a surprising beginning: local spiders at the Haus der Kunst. A dialogue with Saraceno transformed into “Ancestral Futures.” The exhibition ambitiously discusses vibrational perception, encouraging visitors to engage with Algo-r(h)i(y)thms — a network of ropes simulating what spiders experience throughout their webs. The land art unveiled in this setting strengthens the theme of interconnectedness across species.
A Showcase of Knowledge alongside Art
Unconventional gallery spaces interweave art with rooms of knowledge, presenting scientific research and Indigenous traditions as integral to the narrative. These spaces act as interpretative forums rather than mere informative sections, creating a layered understanding that influences the viewing experience. With the land art unveiled as a focal piece, these spaces draw visitors deeper into the cultural and scientific dialogues at play.
Haus der Kunst: A Vision Beyond the Gallery
As stated by Andrea Lissoni, the museum collaborates with living artists like “Tomás Saraceno” to redefine exhibition experiences, transforming its spaces into arenas for ecological and societal engagement, far beyond merely displaying art. This vision crystallizes with each land art unveiled, offering a transformative journey for visitors.
Reimagining Spatial Dynamics
Saraceno’s work resonates with Munich’s architectural narratives, drawing parallels to Frei Otto’s designs at Olympiapark. The transparency and fluidity in Otto’s canopies continue in Saraceno’s current project, promoting openness and interactive participation in space. The land art unveiled serves as a testament to these spatial explorations, encouraging interaction and reflection.
Participation: A Core Element
Museo Aero Solar exemplifies the project’s participative nature, evolving from a collection of community-contributed plastic bags. The museum’s Open Atelier, beginning in 2026, will continue these contributions, reflecting a shared authorship in artistic creation. Through each land art unveiled, Saraceno communicates the power of collective action in art.
Learning Initiatives Anchored in Practice
Throughout the exhibition, interactive sessions developed with the Aerocene Foundation will elaborate on water rights and environmental justice in the Salinas Grandes. Participants can step outside the museum on guided explorations with experts like Prof. Dr. Peter Fratzl, engaging with nature directly. These initiatives, along with the land art unveiled, offer immersive learning experiences connected to the realities of our world.
The Lasting Impact
Ultimately, “Ancestral Futures” leaves a legacy of participatory art, where an unexpected interaction with spiders transformed into a profound international co-commission. In Saraceno’s vision, chance meetings grow into lasting cultural monuments, each land art unveiled marking a milestone in this remarkable journey.
Source: urdesignmag.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Tomás Saraceno’s exhibition in Munich about?
Tomás Saraceno’s exhibition ‘Ancestral Futures’ at Haus der Kunst in Munich weaves together two decades of research into air, webs, and interspecies communication. It features a permanent land art commission created with Indigenous communities in Argentina, engaging audiences in a dialogue about cultural and ecological connections. Open until February 7, 2027, the exhibition transcends traditional art boundaries.
What themes does Saraceno explore in his exhibition?
Saraceno’s exhibit explores the Aerocene Foundation’s quest for fossil-fuel-free flight and Arachnophilia’s dialogue with spiders. The exhibition discusses vibrational perception and includes a network of ropes simulating what spiders experience throughout their webs. These themes are complemented by the permanent land art, integrating Indigenous knowledge and artistry.
Who holds ownership of the land art unveiled?
Ownership of the land art remains with the eleven Indigenous communities that helped create it. This governance model ensures the continuation of their cultural narratives and symbolizes community empowerment.