The temporary architecture Alias, designed by German artist Miriam Jonas, seems like a strange indefinable creature. Alias consists of a large, transparent PVC structure that is rhythmically inflated and deflated within the classical, columned interior of a former orangery in Rheda, Germany. Once the fan is turned off, air escapes from the Sculpture and, almost breathing, it seems as if it is has come to life. Miriam Jonas refers to the special history of the former Orangery, where exotic plants and animals were reared only a few hundred years ago.

Jonas' installation makes subtle reference to the history of the space, which once served to house exotic plants and animals. With its deep, long "breaths," the sculpture resembles a mysterious beast, domesticated and put on display within the rational confines of the building's pared-down classicism. To Miriam Jonas it is important to include the building, in which she displays her work, in her creative process: ‘The architecture remains dominant, but doesn’t dominate the artwork. So it is also a kind of metaphor for how the passing time changes things, places and their meaning’. 


Project: Alias

Location: Potsdam, Germany

Architect: Miriam Jonas, Berlin, Germany

Technical info: Inflatable PVC

Picture credits: Miriam Jones