Nineties New York and the financial sector cast a shadow over Jenna Bliss' solo exhibition

In the heart of Zehlendorf, the Haus am Waldsee is currently hosting an intriguing exhibition that delves into collective memory and the influence of big finance. The exhibition, open until May 5 at Argentinische Allee 30, offers a unique blend of art and commentary, focusing on significant events such as 9/11 and the credit crunch of 2008.

One of the most striking pieces in the exhibition is the video work 'Professional witnesses', a provocative eight-part series. This work features half-fictionalized accounts of 9/11 witnesses, mimicking the style of an Apple campaign from the early 2000s. One witness in the video reflects on the price of gold after the impact of the plane hitting the first tower, adding a poignant touch to the otherwise deliberately irksome, unpleasant, and off-key production.

Another highlight of the exhibition is the film 'True Entertainment' (2023), created by the artist duo Hanne Lippard and Andrew Moore. Filmed in the style of a reality TV show, this film satirizes the interface between creative endeavor and extreme wealth. It brilliantly captures the sordidness of being in a gallery booth during an art fair, offering a scathing critique of the behaviours of fist-pumping gallerists, "rich bitch" assistants, and obsessive collectors in a cycle of hierarchical one-upmanship.

The exhibition also includes opaque wall works that connect the Manhattan skyline with ghostly reflections, adding a haunting and introspective element to the display. These works serve as a poignant reminder of the events of 9/11 and the financial crisis that followed, inviting visitors to reflect on the role of big finance in shaping our collective memory.

'True Entertainment' (2023) is set just before the financial crisis, providing a chilling glimpse into the world of extreme wealth and the art market on the brink of collapse. The exhibition as a whole is a thought-provoking exploration of the interplay between memory, finance, and art, offering a unique and engaging experience for visitors.

Nineties New York and the financial sector cast a shadow over Jenna Bliss' solo exhibition