Gordon Matta-Clark. On Site

The US-American conceptual artist and architect Gordon Matta-Clark (1943—1978) is best known for his radical ›building cuts,‹ in which he physically cut into buildings slated for demolition, slicing, deconstructing, and carving geometric forms into them. He was the son of Chilean Surrealist painter Roberto Matta and US-American artist Anne Clark Sohn.

Through these large-scale architectural interventions, he directly engaged with the urban environment and the communities within it. His works read as a critical commentary on the urban and economic issues of his time, from social exclusion, the neglect of neighbourhoods, the demolition of housing complexes, speculation, and gentrification.

Merging a wide range of media, his artistic approach transcended the boundaries between architecture, sculpture, conceptual art, as well as performance and social practice. This singular artistic approach made him one of the most innovative and influential artists of his generation, and a central figure of New York’s art scene in the 1970s.

The exhibition features central pieces from the most vital period of his oeuvre in the 1970s, including Clockshower (1973), Splitting (1974), Conical Intersect (1975), City Slivers (1976), and Office Baroque (1977)—realized in New York, Paris, and Antwerp, among others. Most prominently presented is Conical Intersect, a site-specific work with the Centre Pompidou still under construction in the background. The work was part of the Paris Biennale in 1975.

Presented in this homage-like exhibition, his work creates a striking encounter with the artist's unique and radical approach that inspires generations of artists until today.

The museum, currently under construction and designed by Herzog & de Meuron, offers a unique temporary exhibition context and dialogue for Matta-Clark's work. Here, visitors experience the works amid the still-unfinished berlin modern construction site. Their own physical presence becomes part of this unusual spatial setting. It is the first exhibition in Berlin’s new museum.

The exhibition is curated by Klaus Biesenbach, Director of Neue Nationalgalerie, with Ricarda Bergmann.

Access to the construction site is only possible as part of the exhibition and with a valid ticket. Please wear sturdy footwear when visiting the site. There are no restrooms or cloakroom facilities available on site. Bags brought into the building must not exceed A4 size.