“Anima Ferrea – the Iron Soul”

by Arda Metallwerkstatt im Kunsthaus Tacheles

2008 - 2009

Located in a huge old ruin in the heart of Berlin, the Kunsthaus

Tacheles represents an internationally unique use of ‘free space’ for

the creation of modern art and culture. The sculptor Hüseyin Arda,

one of the pioneering artists of the Artists' Initiative Tacheles, has

performed several urban art projects in metal sculpting since 1992.

In spring 2008, he established an art installation in the large

backyard of the Tacheles, which serves as his open workshop and

exhibition space. With his Metallwerkstatt, Arda supports the

preservation of ‘free space’ in the city and its access to urban

people. He allows the visitors to engage in the dialogue between

art and spectator and in his work in progress.

Arda Metallwerkstatt welcomes its visitors with four gigantic

rusty metal letters set up in front of its entrance: “LUST”. More

of those impressive metal letters are part of the studio

construction which was established as a temporary installation

of urban art. The Arda Metallwerkstatt and its distinctive

atmosphere and insights appeal to a wide range of visitors; its

various exhibition projects, performances and audio-visual

productions attract tourists as well as Berliners.

Enjoy art in the unique ‘free space’ in Europe’s art metropolis

Berlin!

“Anima Ferrea – the Iron Soul”

Art meets Spectator

by Arda Metallwerkstatt im Kunsthaus Tacheles

2008-2009

Arda Metallwerkstatt in the Kunsthaus Tacheles, Berlin Mitte, has been presenting the art project “Anima Ferrea – the Iron Soul” since February 2008. “Anima Ferrea” was initiated by the sculptor Hüseyin Arda as a joint project and exhibition of a number of international artists connected to the Arda Metallwerkstatt. The art collective “Anima Ferrea” profiles itself as a center for creative endeavors, with the artists generating a broad repertoire of artistic productions such as metal and wood sculptures, paintings, drawings, photography and video films. Due to the unusually diverse and mutual inspiration among the artists, the constant exchange with the visitors as art is developing, and the highly inspiring ‘free space’ of the partly open-air workshop, the art produced at “Anima Ferrea” is so uniquely powerful.

The project is further encouraging a deeper understanding and a joyful approach to art. As a result, the exhibition is presently drawing 300,000 visitors per year, from Germany and abroad.

A contemporary artist collective bringing together creative artists

from all over the world, “Anima Ferrea” aims at

� Perpetuating the original objectives and the spirit of the

Kunsthaus Tacheles. Following, reproducing and creating the

Zeitgeist of the Kunsthaus Tacheles, the artists of “Anima Ferrea”

believe in the power and merit of ‘free space’. Hence, Arda and

his group are dedicated to being the foremost successor of the

ideals of the Kunsthaus Tacheles.

� Contributing to urban art. The project “Anima Ferrea”

intends to transcend boundaries in order to create a dialogue

between the artist and the viewer, the city and its inhabitants in

an environment that is responsive and accessible to the public,

the urban masses.

“ANIMA FERREA – THE IRON SOUL“

Visiting the project “Anima Ferrea”, the public has an extended

opportunity to see several special exhibitions and the daily series

of screenings. In addition, visitors are invited to enjoy the

performances and audio-visual productions.

• Retrospective: Retro-Metal by Arda

In this section of the exhibition, metal sculptures which are part

of the retrospective are on display. Metal works and designs from

the period of 1992 until today are shown. The retrospective

presents previous projects like “Wörter für Berlin”.

Documentation about such earlier projects is available at the

entrance desk. For detailed information, see:

http://ardatachelesmetallwerkstatt.blogspot.com

• “Work in progress” in the Open Studio

Four stages have been established to bring together the art, the

artist and the spectator. As such, the process of artistic creation is

made transparent for the numerous visitors and tourists. The

mission of this work-in-progress-exhibition goes beyond the

tradition of ‘art in public space’. It does not only create a dialogue

between the art and the contemplator, but works in a ‘magical

effect triangle’ between artist, art and viewer. Metal sculptors and

painters give individual as well as team performances on the

stages. In all, a special interactive art experience is awaiting

visitors at the Open Studio Arda Metallwerkstatt.

Video Screenings in the Orange ContainerThe project “Anima Ferrea” also provides exhibitions of audio-visual productions. Visitors of the Orange Container can watch short films, documentaries, and other screenings daily. The schedule and the program are updated and announced every week. Applications of young filmmakers for the screenings in the Orange Container are welcome. For detailed information, see: http://ardatachelesmetallwerkstatt.blogspot.com

Kantina ZazaAt the venue of Arda Metallwerkstatt, visitors can also relax among artists and enjoy the special atmosphere of the cafeteria, called Kantina Zaza, having a tea or a beer. Occasionally, short lectures, readings, musical or dance performances are presented at the cafeteria. Especially on Fridays and Saturdays, musicians or bands are playing everything enjoyable ranging from jazz to soul, from world music to country.

“Anima Ferrea” Saturday NightsOnce a month, on Saturdays, all artists of the collective along with guest artists come together for a meeting in the Arda Metallwerkstatt Tacheles. These meetings are accompanied by music performances. All interested visitors are cordially invited to “Anima Ferrea” Saturday Nights.

“ANIMA FERREA – THE IRON SOUL”: ART MEETS SPECTATOR

BY ARDA METALLWERKSTATT IM KUNTSHAUS TACHELES

2008-2009

Hüseyin Arda

The sculptor Hüseyin Arda was born in Eskisehir, Turkey in 1969. In the early 1990s,

right at the time of political and social turmoil in Berlin after German unification, he

became involved in the Artists' Initiative Tacheles, taking an active role in the Art

House project. Since 1992, Arda has been sculpting with metal and developing urban

art projects. He is the initiator of the project “Anima Ferrea”.

Halil Aydın Ataman

The painter Halil Aydın Ataman was born in Ankara, Turkey. Ataman has been

creating art in the Kunsthaus Tacheles for eight years. Currently living in Hannover,

Germany, he regularly travels to Berlin to contribute to the project “Anima Ferrea”.

“ANIMA FERREA – THE IRON SOUL”: ART MEETS SPECTATOR

BY ARDA METALLWERKSTATT IM KUNTSHAUS TACHELES

2008-2009

Yves Rasch

The German wood sculptor

was born in 1979 in Hamburg,

where he still lives and works.

He has been actively involved

in several art projects and

regularly comes to Berlin for

“Anima Ferrea” in the

Kunsthaus Tacheles

İmdat Uçar

The Metal sculptor İmdat Uçar

was born in Şanlıurfa, Turkey

in 1978. He has been working

with Arda since 1998. His

mythical creatures are

important components of the

project “Anima Ferrea”.

Rob Miller

An Australian wood sculptor, Rob Miller was born in 1970. He graduated from Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne in Fine Arts and Sculpture. In August 2008 he joined the artist collective of “Anima Ferrea”.

Adnan Kalkancı

The painter Adnan Kalkancı was born in Kars, Turkey in 1958. He is a graduate from Ankara Art Academy. He has joined “Anima Ferrea” in summer 2008. He is also affiliated to the Mendo Gallery, where Kalkancı hosts guest artists from different countries.

Luca Ciavarella

An artistic Blacksmith, Ciavarella was born in Italy. He graduated from University of Bologna where he studied Arts. He has been actively involved in “Anima Ferrea” since summer 2008.

“ANIMA FERREA – THE IRON SOUL”: ART MEETS SPECTATOR

BY ARDA METALLWERKSTATT IM KUNTSHAUS TACHELES

2008-2009

Anna Andropova

The painter Anna Andropova was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in 1988. She joined “Anima Ferrea” in summer 2008, representing the young generation in the collective.

Hakan Özata

The metal sculptor Hakan Özata was born in Tunceli, Turkey, in 1979. Özata has been working with Arda since 2002 and was involved in several urban art projects.

Sarah Baeumle

The German metal sculptor Sarah Baeumle was born in Köln, Germany, in 1982. The only female metal artist in the group, she has been involved in the project since summer 2008.

Zeki Turan

The Metal sculptor, Zeki Turan was born in Adıyaman, Turkey, in 1980. He has been working in “Anima Ferrea” since summer 2008. Turan is working in Kunsthaus Tacheles since 1998.

Miguel Menegazzo

An Argentinian painter, Miguel Menegazzo was born in Buenos Aires. With his abstract painting style, Menegazzo worked in “Anima Ferrea”for 8 months.

For any questions or further information related to project, artistic works and program details, the contact address are as the followings.

Also visit to follow: http://ardatachelesmetallwerkstatt.blogspot.com/

Project Initiator: Hüseyin ArdaProject Manager: Jens JähnigProject Coordination, Public Relations: Petra KrischokProject Assistant: Esra Can

Mobil: +49(0)17624018891

E-Mail: metallwerkstatt-tacheles@web.de

Arda Metallwerkstatt in the Kunsthaus Tacheles

Oranienburger Strasse 54-56

10117 Berlin – Mitte