Ben Wagin - NATUR – STAUB – KUNDE (Stirring up Nature, Dust and Science)

Tuesday March 29th 2011, 09:30 h- Sunday, July 31st, 18:00 h

The Museum für Naturkunde celebrates the 81st birthday of Berlin artist Ben Wagin, who became known not only through his art, but also for his commitment to protecting trees and to peace. This is an exhibition out of the ordinary, a retrospective of Wagin's work, an exhibition about the creator of the Parliament of Trees near the Government Buildings in Berlin and the initiator of "Sonnenboten" (sun messengers, children planting sunflowers). The newly restored exhibition hall shows not only the artist's life work, but also lets the visitor take part in the process of creating an exhibition that reveals a new insight into everything. A world of elements that goes beyond fire, water, air and earth in its quest for the essence of anything material. Ben Wagin breaks through the limitations of space into nature, while at the same time taking visitors on a journey following his thoughts throughout the building. The Museum feeds the artist's interpretations with scientific evidence. Visitors are become part of a fruitful confrontation between nature, art, humans and the sciences that will cause more than just a stir

Letter from Mayor Klaus Wowereit for Ben Wagin's 80th birthday: "… For four decades now, you have been a constant warner, a mover and shaker who uses his art to show us the way. You are getting on our nerves because you hit the nerve. You are a teacher, a stage director, an environmental activist and above all an artist who has made nature and the environment the quest of his life… With your work, you have earned a place in the heart of Berliners and become part of our city's history