Suspended more than 25 meters above the piazza of the K21 is Tomás Saraceno‘s gigantic installation in orbit. This steel wire construction spans the museum‘s vast glass cupola on three different levels. Positioned within this net structure, which encompasses altogether 2500 m², are half a dozen „spheres“ – inflated PVC spheres having diameters up to 8.5 meters. Visitors have access to this transparent installation, and can move freely between the spheres on all three levels.
in orbit resembles a surreal landscape, is reminiscent of a sea of clouds. Those bold enough to clamber high into the work set beneath the glass cupola perceive the museum visitors far below them from the lofty heights as tiny figures in a model world. Viewed from below or from intermediate levels of the Ständehaus, conversely, the people enmeshed in this net seem to be swimming in the sky.
Security Advices
For their own security, visitors will receive instructions from the museum staff concerning interaction with the installation. No more than 10 people at one time may be present within the net. Stable shoes (with grip soles), the use of a provided overall, and a minimum age of 12 years are requirements for entering in orbit.
Tomás Saraceno - in orbit
From 22.06.2013
K21 STÄNDEHAUS
Kunstsammlung Nordrhein Westfahlen
Dusseldorf, Germany