BERLIN.- The Cultural Forum's Special Exhibition Hall at Matthäikirchplatz 6 has officially launched its latest showcase, "Cracked Up and Burnt Down: Fireworks Across Five Centuries," which runs from November 8, 2024, to February 9, 2025. This unique exhibition, organized by the Art Library – State Museums in Berlin in partnership with the German Environmental Aid (DUH) and the Society for German-Chinese Cultural Exchange e. V. (GeKA), delves into the intricate and often paradoxical history of fireworks as an art form.
Fireworks have long been celebrated for their spectacular displays that light up the night sky, creating lasting memories for audiences. However, as the exhibition "Crazy and Burned-Out" highlights, this art form is also notorious for its significant environmental impact and resource consumption. The exhibition aims to explore the evolution of fireworks, their cultural strongholds, and their media and political significance, while also contemplating the future sustainability of this ephemeral art.
Curated by Maren Wienigk, Head of the Collection of Architecture and Ornamental Engravings at the Art Library, the exhibition features over 70 large-format copper engravings and approximately 40 historical books from the 16th to the 18th centuries. These artifacts provide a comprehensive look at how fireworks were utilized both in warfare and celebration, underscoring the collaboration between architects, set designers, pyrotechnicians, choreographers, and musicians that made these grand displays possible.
The exhibition begins with a global historical overview of fireworks, tracing their origins and development across different cultures. It then shifts focus to the European courts of absolutism—Versailles, Vienna, Munich, and Dresden—where fireworks became a symbol of power and prestige. These courts engaged in a pyrotechnic arms race, using elaborate fireworks displays to celebrate peace treaties, jubilees, alliances, and significant life events such as births and weddings. The copper engravings on display vividly depict this competition, showcasing the blend of artistic genius and extravagant waste that characterized the Baroque era.
One of the exhibition's highlights is the exploration of fireworks as an interdisciplinary art form. Each display was the result of months-long collaboration among various creative and technical experts, reflecting a fusion of artistic vision and scientific precision. Historical treatises like Vanoccio Biringuccio's "De la Pyrotechnia" (1540) and Josef Furttenbach's "Halinitro-Pyrobolia" (1627) illustrate the military applications of fireworks, while the engraved depictions themselves stand as artistic achievements.
Visitors will also encounter contemporary artworks by renowned artists such as Malte Bartsch, Daniel T. Braun, Sandra Kranich, Cai Guo-Qiang, Roman Signer, and Michael Wesely. These modern interpretations bridge the historical with the present, highlighting ongoing innovations and the enduring allure of fireworks in art. The exhibition is further enriched by international contributions from Berlin's State Museums network, including loans from the Ethnological Museum, the Gemäldegalerie, the Hamburger Bahnhof – Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart, and others.
Beyond its visual exhibits, "Cracked Up and Burnt Down" serves as an interactive platform for dialogue and education. The exhibition space hosts a variety of events, including talks, guided tours, film screenings, and panel discussions, particularly focusing on the environmental challenges posed by traditional fireworks. A dedicated theme day in collaboration with DUH provides an opportunity for visitors to engage in critical discussions about the sustainability of fireworks and explore eco-friendly alternatives.
"The art of fireworks is a fleeting yet impactful form that combines beauty with significant environmental costs," said Maren Wienigk. "Our exhibition aims to celebrate the historical and artistic significance of fireworks while fostering a conversation about their future in an environmentally conscious world."
Accompanying the exhibition is a richly illustrated magazine (ISBN 978-3-88609-897-2) that offers deeper insights into the exhibits and themes explored. As Berlin continues to balance its rich cultural heritage with modern environmental responsibilities, "Cracked Up and Burnt Down" stands as a compelling reminder of the need for sustainable practices in preserving and evolving traditional art forms.
The exhibition is open to the public Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM; Wednesday until 8 PM; and on weekends from 11 AM to 6 PM. Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to participate in the extensive event program to gain a comprehensive understanding of the past, present, and future of fireworks arts.
