Beta Tank – A Solo Exhibition
Gestalten presents a solo show by Berlin-based conceptual product design practice Beta Tank.
Beta Tank creates design objects based upon cross-disciplinary research that insightfully explores new technologies and social phenomena—inspiring debate beyond aesthetics or function.
This solo show features objects from Beta Tank’s “Taxing Art” and “Sensory Substitution” series. The Galila Chair with its flexible identity embodies legal definitions for both art and design objects depending on how its pyramids are positioned. When the chair is in the art configuration, it can be sold at a lower VAT tariff and enjoy lower or no customs duties. The pyramids affect the functionality of the chair and challenge the legal boundaries of what constitutes art.
The Mind Chair changes your perception by “placing images in your mind through your back,” using a bank of 400 solenoids as the backrest reacting to video input. The limited edition seriesMemory Stücks includes memory objects bonding the tangible physical with the ephemeral digital. Each object is equipped with USB sticks that carry its digital memories in words, images, film, and animation.
This show coincides with the release of the book Taxing Art: When Objects Travel, an ironic, clever documentation and analysis of the effect traditional, bureaucratic procedures have on innovative work. The revealing illustrated essay spotlights the largely underestimated effect tax laws have on where design ends and art begins. The book features all five objects that were made in response to these stringent laws, as well as the narrative of the objects’ unique 12,000-kilometer journey to test tax laws around the world.
Some more info about where and when, after the break.
Eyal Burstein is the founder of Beta Tank, a conceptual product design practice that creates and uses design objects for social commentary.
Martin Rinderknecht has worked in art-related fields for many years, for example as an assistant curator and a freelance journalist. In 2005 he established the start-up satellite art fair “Preview Berlin – The Emerging Art Fair” and in 2009 he launched Helmrinderknecht contemporary design.
Gestalten Space
Sophie-Gips-Höfe
Sophienstraße 21
10178 Berlin
www.gestalten.com/space
From the 2nd of June till the 3rd of July 2011
Wednesday to Monday
10:00 – 20:00
Closed Tuesdays
