The comparison may be weird, but who grew up with Rittersport Schokolade is familiar with the slogan: square, practical, good. This triad comes to my mind thinking of Baustelle Schaustelle. From the start to me it is the most beautiful art space in the city of Essen. Quadratic, practical, good. What happens here works in the smallest space. Standing in the space you are in the middle of everything. From outside looking through the window you have a full view, too. I call that thorough. That room is a challenge for artists. Anyone exhibiting in the cube of Baustelle Schaustelle has to condense, minimize or reach for the whole room as material. The space offers no excuse or comfort zone. In the end, the image has to be correct — from inside and outside. A great challenge of conceptual work for everyone who exhibits here. Such a space remains empty without engagement. Praise goes to Brigitte Krieger and her team of students who have been announcing BauSchau art award for 10 years — dedicated to curiosity and ideas of young artists. The award ceremony and the exhibition has become a fixed event in the city. Square, practical, good. The advertising slogan for Rittersport Schokolade is half told only without the distinctive sound splitting the bar in the middle. Baustelle Schaustelle in common with the chocolate: it cracks splendidly!
/// Volker Troche