Jeppe Hein's Magical Water Rooms in Münchenstein
Art Basel turns Basel into a massive art party, right? But this year, the fun spilled over into Münchenstein, a super charming town right next door. They hosted something truly special: Jeppe Hein's Appearing Rooms at Freilager Platz. It's a water pavilion – a "liquid sculpture," as Hein calls it – and it totally captivated everyone during Art Basel 2023 and beyond. Honestly, it was mesmerizing.
A Watery Wonderland You Can Actually *Enter*
Imagine this: four huge water walls, each taller than I am, forming a kind of square. But these aren't just any walls; they're constantly shifting and changing, creating these amazing, temporary rooms inside. You can walk right in, explore these ever-evolving spaces, or just watch the magic unfold. The water goes up and down, creating surprises, and it’s all incredibly playful.
Hein, the artist, really wanted to create something social. It's not about forcing a certain reaction; it's more about sparking curiosity and getting people talking. It’s art that blends seamlessly into daily life – you can participate or just observe. The water, the light, the reflections...it's all in constant motion, making for a truly unique experience.
Free Art For Everyone in Münchenstein
The best part? Appearing Rooms was in Freilager Platz, a public square. No ticket, no membership needed – just walk up and experience it! That's what Hein was aiming for: art that's accessible to everyone. It's a wonderfully democratic way to bring art into the community, becoming part of people’s everyday lives. This really embodies his vision of public art.
Münchenstein's Art Basel Moment
And Appearing Rooms wasn’t the only artistic highlight in Münchenstein during Art Basel. The Kunsthaus Baselland (soon moving to the Dreispitz area) had exhibitions and events too! They featured amazing artists like Pia Fries and Simone Holliger, putting Münchenstein firmly on the Art Basel map. It showcased a whole world of contemporary art beyond the main fair. It proved that Art Basel wasn’t just about one place!
More Than Just a Splash
While Appearing Rooms' run is over, it left a lasting impression. It showed how powerful public art can be in transforming spaces and bringing people together. Visiting Münchenstein, whether during Art Basel or anytime, is a chance to explore contemporary art and discover a really vibrant cultural scene – it’s definitely worth checking out.
