Constantin Hartenstein’s performative sculpture Suspend, presented at Ecology of Attention #2: Ignition Cycle, illuminates the limiting fragility of the protective measures and distancing which determine current social interactions. By making the required social distance visible with hybrid sculptural material, the performers are put in a fragile state between careful proximity and non-negotiable tension that is defined by a 1.5m rod.
Video documentation, 2021, Sven Gutjahr (DOP), Studio Hartenstein, 2021, 5’11”, 4K, color, stereo
Text collage uses references from Yves Citton’s Ecology of Attention, Albert Camus’ La Peste and the artist’s own poems.
Photo documentation: Barbara Antal, MontagModus
Suspend, 2020, performative sculpture.
epoxy resin, Hot Blood 3.0 Blue Guarana pre-workout booster particles, rope, steel, aluminum, LED, AI-generated video loop, soundtrack; dimensions variable.
Suspend, 2020 was presented at Ecology of Attention #2: Ignition Cycle. Performers: Maciek Sado, Djibril Sall, and Yi-Wei Tien; choreographer: Jos McKain; sound design: Tommi Toivonen; cinematographer: Sven Gutjahr.
Constantin Hartenstein (born in Herzberg, former GDR) is an artist based in Berlin. Working with sculpture, video, and performance, he explores how the human body is immersed in and altered by artificial environments and technological inventions. Divulging a vivid encounter with biological science and medical advancements at the core of his research and production, his works question our voluntary dependencies on technology. Taking on a queer perspective, he aims to ignite a critical debate on new forms of post-digital normativity. Constantin studied at University of the Arts Berlin and Braunschweig University of Art. Since 2019, Constantin is an artistic fellow at the UdK Film Institute Berlin. Recent exhibitions include Kunstverein Dresden, Staatliche Kunsthalle Baden-Baden, Galerie für Zeitgenössische Kunst Leipzig, Kunstraum Kreuzberg Bethanien Berlin, Galerie im Turm Berlin, Neuer Aachener Kunstverein, WRO Media Art Biennale Wroclaw, Berlinische Galerie, Anthology Film Archives New York, Goethe Institute Beijing, Spring/Break Art Fair New York, Museum of the Moving Image New York (USA), Times Museum Guangzhou (CN), Kunstmuseum Bonn, Bundeskunsthalle Bonn, German Consulate New York, Goethe Institute New York and transmediale Berlin.