The Herne Model

The Cologne artist Andreas Kaiser approaches the topic climate from the artistic point of view. His installation is a model which shows that climate can be more than the facts and knowledge of the researchers. In the Herne Model on almost 400 square metres he puts questions about climate which transcend the common formulas.
 
The art installation consists of 24 greenhouses. All houses are connected to each other by tubes. Every greenhouse shows a different topic, for example, aquarium and desert, semi detached house, dust and light. The partly technical, partly natural equipment simulates climatic conditions in a laboratory experiment. But even so they are not explained that simply.
 
While “climate and man. life in eXtremes” shows the climate in the chronological order of its development, here simultaneousness rules. The room at the same time is clear and chaotic, ordered, but yet like a labyrinth. The graph on the wall as well shows climatic factors, but does not clarify their hierarchic interdependences.
 
Like in all works of Andreas Kaiser the visitor does not feel himself to be a spectator or observer, but becomes a part of the installation during his visit. And he himself decides how much he contributes to its success.