Fernsehturm am Alexanderplatz, Berlin, 2010
Photo: Studio Olafur Eliasson
Fernsehturm am Alexanderplatz, Berlin, 2010
Photo: Studio Olafur Eliasson
Here, a simple compass, made from a needle attached to a magnet, was hung in the revolving platform at the top of the Television Tower in Berlin. A propaganda coup for the East German government upon its completion in 1969, the tower is now a popular tourist destination for its panoramic view of the city and revolving restaurant.
A camera aimed steadfastly at the compass reveals the motion of the cityscape outside the window and the slow movement of the compass as it reorients to constantly point towards magnetic north.
Eliasson has long been fascinated by compasses and has created countless variations on the instrument over the years. His fascination springs from the way that the compass, by virtue of its steady indication of north, allows us to situate ourselves in relation to a map, locating us within a broader context. In fact, compasses orient us not only geographically but also socially. The visual sensation of the compass – needles to the north – is something we all share and have learned to read.
The video traces a complete rotation of the tower platform, a process that takes a full hour.
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| Artwork details | |
Title |
Kompass für Fernseher |
Year |
2010 |
Materials |
Video |
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