Playing the space of Kraftwerk: Rabon Aibo’s sound art at Atonal

In fragmented materials and process-based performance interventions, this year’s Atonal exhibition seems to breathe life into debris, a deconstruction of ruined objects. But most striking of all is the work of sound artist Rabon Aibo. With mechanical constructions, he makes the cavernous Kraftwerk power plant into an instrument – and makes use of gas canisters that resonate with dark moments in Kurdish and European histories.

The power plant, back at full power: Berlin Atonal shows a resurgent scene

We’ve heard lots of promises of a revitalized post-pandemic scene, lots of talk about adapting to change, but that masks real suffering for so many artists. At last, Berlin’s upcoming Atonal promises to be something different: expanded scale, greater diversity, and energetic new ideas, just when electronic music needs it most.

Peter Kirn - September 5, 2023

Tune into HÖR today for music and an earthquake relief fundraiser

News cycles tend to move from crisis to crisis – ignoring what happens as crises deepen. Artists of Turkish, Syrian, and Kurdish heritage deserve more attention in Berlin and Germany generally, so today is a great time for some music, awareness, and action as areas impacted by last month’s earthquake still urgently need support.

Peter Kirn - March 13, 2023