Auszeit (Time Out) - 1998

Four Vitrines in front of the Haus des Lehrers, Alexanderplatz, Berlin
MDF, Sandpaper, Poster Paint. 4 Panels 1x185x85 cm each. 1998

A distinguishing characteristic of Susanne Lorenz’s method of working is her exceptional sense for observing her urban environment. In Berlin in the 90’s, particularly in Berlinmitte and Prenzlauer Berg, a proliferation of distinctive playgrounds and athletic fields sprung up. The most absurd solutions were employed in order to squeeze recreation areas into the condensed spaces of the developing city. Prompted by this phenomena, Susanne Lorenz installed Auszeit (Time Out), 1998, in the vitrines that stand before the Haus des Lehrers, Berlin: Four sketches show fictitious athletic grounds with various playing fields designated by color. Movement, an inherent quality of sports, is amplified in the velocity of the urban traffic on the heavily driven, though seldom walked crossing on Alexanderplatz. The title, Auszeit, refers to the possibility of regulating human speed, which taken ad absurdum raises the question, “have the players taken the day off?” Viewed from above, the sketch-like character is magnified: from a bird’s-eye view, the lined paths of the athletic areas correspond to the lineation of the traffic-patterning system of Alexanderplatz. Everyday realities, transmutations in urban space and visions are brought into an intriguing dialog in Auszeit.
(Katja Reich)