2nd May

Ulrike Kuschel has chosen a date, 2nd Mai 2002, as the title of her seven-part pictorial series. The date is the key to the work, as it provides the action with a specific social and political significance. 

Berlin, Alexanderplatz

Berlin, Alexanderplatz

It is the morning after, an image of destruction: the energy of the youthful May 1st protest march has been expended on the facade of a Berlin department store. … But the vulnerability of the commercial system is only temporary.  

Berlin, Alexanderplatz

Berlin, Alexanderplatz

Just a few hours later, the traces of the „rebellious ritual“ are eliminated. The artist’s main focus seems to be on the workers, who pursue their task with a certain calm concentration.  

Berlin, Alexanderplatz

Berlin, Alexanderplatz

We see the workers from the back: their heads are bent over their works. … The marks left by the events of a public holiday originally reserved for the workers are now being removed by workers. 

Berlin, Alexanderplatz

Photographs by Ulrike Kuschel, Berlin Alexanderplatz, Germany, May 2002
Text by Madeleine Schuppli, catalogue »Gesellschaftsbilder – Images of Society«, Kunstmuseum Thun, Switzerland, 2003
 

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