metalworks - designing & making

Through the exhibition "metalworks – designing & making", the city of Esch-sur-Alzette reconnects with its industrial past. Formerly known as the "Iron Metropolis" due to its steel and mining activity, Esch-sur-Alzette has developed as a major center for the iron industry in Europe. This economic boom attracted multicultural populations until the late 1980s. Today, some of the industrial infrastructure is safeguarded and continues to operate, while other sites are being converted to contribute to the urban expansion of city.

In this historical and cultural heritage context, the Konschthal will present the work of over twenty international artists who reconnect with the tradition of industrial know-how and the craft of art, whilst experimenting with new forms of production. Over forty selected objects – unique pieces or editions – show how current formal languages in art and design are reappropriating the techniques of metal transformation, such as casting, extruding, foaming, forging, or printing and spinning. The intrinsic quality of each proposal will be revealed by the raw aesthetics of the space and the functional character of the scenography; thus, providing an immediate reading of the gesture and the manufacturing process in question.

This exhibition will be accompanied by a publication in two languages – English and French – and a framework program for the public.

Ron Arad, Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, Stefan Diez, Tom Dixon, Christophe de la Fontaine, Konstantin Grcic, Thomas Heatherwick, Jakob Jørgensen, Sigve Knutson, Joris Laarman Lab, Max Lamb, Xavier Lust, Philippe Malouin, Muller Van Severen, PELLE, Lewis Power & Anthony Forsyth, Studio Swine, Linde Freya Tangelder - Destroyers/Builders, Jonas Trampedach, Maarten Van Severen, Danny Venlet, Michael Young, Oskar Zięta.

On a curatorial suggestion of Georges Zigrand. Co-curated by Charlotte Masse.

In collaboration with Esch2022, European Capital of Culture.