In the exhibition Facies at Techne Sphere, Leipzig, Asta Gröting presents Palast der Republik (2023) and Anhalter Bahnhof (2016).
Palast der Republik consists of eight original façade elements from the GDR building and is arranged in a circle in the foyer of the Techne Sphere Leipzig. The bronze-coloured glass panes reflect the light and the viewer, allowing reflection on history and identity. The sculpture addresses ideologically closed systems and urban architecture as a focal point of history. Anhalter Bahnhof is a silicone cast of a portal of what was once Berlin’s most important train station, preserving 145 years of façade life with ornaments, dust and bullet holes. This work is part of the series “Berlin Façades”, which depicts destroyed facades from the Second World War.
Both works emphasize the importance of the buildings for German history and the universal questions of human existence.
The exhibition addresses the conscious handling of historical buildings and the effects of ideologically motivated decisions on the city’s self-image. It encourages reflection and discussion about identity, history and sustainability.