Marcel Odenbach (born 1953) is one of the pioneers of video art in Germany. Odenbach’s works are introspections on the German society. The selection of works combines this retrospective orientation with an attempt to cover the major thematic emphases in the artist’s oeuvre. The majority of the work on display has been created in last decade: Gespräch zwischen Ost und West (1978); In stillen Teichen lauern Krokodile (2002/04); Disturbed Places (2007); Im Kreise drehen (2009) and Im Schiffbruch nicht Schwimmen können (2011).
In this video we attend the 53th episode of film screenings at Babylon cinema, and the curators Olaf Stüber (gallerist) and Ivo Wessel (Berlin-based collector) provide us with an introduction to the project Videoart at Midnight. Marcel Odenbach talks in detail about the project In stillen Teichen lauern Krokodile.
Marcel Odenbach studied architecture, art history and semiotics between 1974-79. Odenbach’s works have been widely exhibited internationally, including solo shows at the Kunstmuseum Bonn (2013); Stampa, Basel (2013); Galerie Gisela Capitain, Cologne (2012); Freud Museum, London (2011); Kimmerich, New York City, NY (2011); Anton Kern Gallery, New York, NY (2011); Galerie Crone, Berlin (2009); Schinkel Pavillon, Berlin (2008); Kunsthalle Bremen (2008); Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum für Gegenwart, Berlin (2006); Cornerhouse, Manchester (2005); Buchmann Galerie, Berlin (2004); Kunstraum Innsbruck (2003); Kunstverein Heilbronn (2002), etc. He has participated at the Göteborg International Biennial for Contemporary Art (2005); Sharjah Biennial (2005); International Istanbul Biennial (2003); Werkleitz Biennale, Halle (Saale) (2000); Bienal de São Paulo (2002, 1987, 1985); La Biennale di Venezia, Venice (1984) and documenta 8, Kassel (1987). Marcel Odenbach currently lives and works between Cologne and Biriwa, Ghana.
Marcel Odenbach at Videoart at Midnight, Babylon Film Theater, Berlin (Germany); Interview with Olaf Stüber (gallerist), Ivo Wessel (Berlin-based collector) and Marcel Odenbach; March 14, 2014. Video and interview by Frantisek Zachoval.
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Videoart at Midnight is a project by Olaf Stüber and Ivo Wessel. Once a month on a Friday always at Midnight the two art enthusiasts are showing moving image art works in the big cinema hall of the renowned BABYLON film theatre in Berlin-Mitte. Each evening is dedicated to one artist. Usually the artist is present – it is his/her night. Often they have the chance to show first releases and sometimes live acts by the artists. The aim of the project is to give an insight into the current video art production of Berlin’s international art scene.