Enlightment B
Jeppe Hein (2002)
Materials: neon tubes, motion detector. Edition 4/5. Dimensions: ø 50 cm, 162 × 261 cm (framed).
b. 1974 in Copenhagen, Denmark; lives and works in Berlin, Germany.
Lender: evn collection, Maria Enzersdorf, Austria
Jeppe Hein’s Enlightment b is a light fixture with a motion detector. In Paper, Rock, Scissors, it illuminates the entrance area of the exhibition space for visitors exiting the elevator. But when first stepping into the room, the bright light is extinguished and only turns back on when stepping back into the elevator. With Enlightment b, Jeppe Hein invites playful interaction. Hein began his artistic output with minimalist sculptures that he brought to life through audience interaction. For example, he created benches that changed position or even produced mist when sitting down on them, he designed public water pavilions that left a dry opening for entry when motion was detected, and he designed moving walls and walking pedestals.
“Trust the art work,” is how the artist describes his basic approach, “Sit on it.” (1). In recent years, he has placed even greater emphasis on the social dimension of his works. “If you ask me, I’m working even more with social issues now and have still maintained my radical minimalism. (...) I’m trying to uncover the social aspects of our society. How do you behave towards yourself, how do you behave towards people?” he asks. (2) Here reference can be made to his work Today I feel like, a participatory art project he showed at the 2024 Kinderbiennale Dresden. This is not just a question he asks himself every day. Hein also asks visitors how they feel today and invites them to paint their self-portrait on the walls of the museum. In so doing they can visualize their mood. (3) How do we want to and how can we shape our future—with art?
Mona Jas