JENNIFER ALLORA

Based in Puerto Rico, Jennifer Allora (*1974, USA) and Guillermo Calzadilla (*1971, Cuba) work in the most diverse artistic mediums: creating films, sculptures, site-specific works, actions and performances. The "shooting-stars of the international art scene" (Kunst Bulletin) also often create public situations where the audience is required to communicate or interact.

Characteristic for their works is thereby the way in which they approach their – mostly political – thematic: With often an absurd sense of humour and subtlety the political dimension in their works becomes apparent. Allora & Calzadilla now present a new work in the former "Hall of Honour" addressing the history of this space, where Hitler used to hold his notorious speeches on culture. At the centre is thereby the Fourth Movement of Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony: the famous final chorus, an icon of humanist tradition and since 1985 the European Union's official anthem. Apart from other extensive – and ideologically conflicting – contexts, 'Ode to Joy' was also highly respected by the Nazi Regime and was played at Hitler’s birthday. Allora & Calzadilla's interest is aimed at the composition’s internal contradictions, as well as the use and abuse of music.