48 times waiting

»48 times waiting« is a mixed media installation that explores the various aspects of waiting in Neukölln through images and text, in collaboration with BVG. It delves into the experience of waiting amidst the subway noise of the city.

The installation focuses on the diverse narratives of people waiting in Neukölln in various ways. Who waits in Neukölln? What are their reasons for waiting? How does waiting for the subway differ from awaiting an upcoming event? How does waiting intersect with feelings of uncertainty? What activities occupy people while they wait? Is waiting a silent or loud experience? Does waiting have poetic qualities? What roles do BVG control posts play? What do these spaces signify? How might they transform everyday commuting experiences? How can they be repurposed as art spaces? What opportunities do these spaces hold for Berlin and its commuters? 48 people answer these questions in Neukölln.

The former BVG control posts exhibit eclectic architectures, reflecting different historical periods and tailored to their respective subway stations. Although decommissioned twenty years ago, some currently accommodate BVG personnel, such as ticket inspectors, security officers, and train conductors, for brief breaks. Many remain unused. Could these dormant spaces be awaiting transformation into art spaces?

The exhibition features a participatory event at the subway titled »learning how to wait«, inviting the public to join a collective waiting exercise. The meeting point is on June 29th at 14:00 (bring a small literature book), at 13:50 Uhr in front of CANK.