Generation Köln meets CIAV Meisenthal

What does a design exhibition during the Corona Lockdown look like? Does it make sense at all to design products now and to show them, when nobody is allowed to go to a cultural event?

How many times have we asked ourselves this question and come to the conclusion that what we found in Meisenthal, France, as well as the place where the objects are now exhibited, are relevant right now. The region's former glassblowing stronghold on the Route du Feu (Route of Fire) was forced to cease production in 1969 when mass-produced plasticware flooded the European market. Today, its cultural heritage is reviving through the Centre International d`Art Verrier (International Center of Glass Art). Confronted with contradictory impressions of a region on the move, we worked hand in hand with glass masters Jean-Marc and Momo to create objects that celebrate the material glass and portray the region.

We have a great place for the show: The Church of St. Gertrud in Cologne, built by architect Gottfried Böhm (He celebrates his 101st birthday on January 23rd, 2021). In the building of St. Gertrud, he translates the ruins of the past into a hopeful meeting place. Thus, the building also fits the history of CIAV Meisentahl and the upcoming social transformation that lies ahead.

Hundreds of glass objects will be on display in the concrete church from January 18th – 20th, 2021. We'll take visitors on a journey through Instagram and Zoom, and together with Sven Lützenkirchen, we'll make a film that brings our experience and the resulting objects to life.

Zoom dates to note:

Mon, January 18th, 2021, 4pm
Tue, January 19th 2021, 11am
Sat, January 23rd, 2021, 7pm / Gottfried Böhm Birthday Party

If you are interested and/or have press inquiries, please contact us at info@generationkoeln.de.