Off space / Artist run space / Project space / Independent / Non Profit / Temporary / Contemporary / Avant Garde / Hype / Playground / Cool…

Yeah yeah. But what do we really know about Berlin’s projects spaces and the people behind them? Have You Met… will be introducing them to you, one by one…

Have You Met… Christiane Grüß / 7hours (text by Rachel Simkover pictures by 7hours)

Christiane Grüß, born in Freiberg, studied theater and economics and worked as a nurse before founding 7hours. While working in the pathological museum in Berlin in the late 80s the relation of the display of anatomical specimens to art became clear, both were focused on form and questioning. She started organizing exhibitions in the museum to spotlight the collection and the importance of thinking about the self and the body. There were, however limitations with working in this scientific setting, so Christiane decided to move into the center of the art field, to NYC, where the first permutation of 7hours took place.

Also before relocating to the current location at HAUS 19 in 2005, 7hours occupied the tower, an impressive four floors and attic of the Märkisches Museum, beginning in 2001. The director at the time was interested in filling the space and exploring the potential of bringing contemporary art into a more historical context. The senate was asking to close the tower and some historians in the museum were not supportive of the project, but thankfully the director was persistent and Christiane was able to curate six TURM shows.

(read full article: http://bpigs.com/diaries/have-you-metchristiane-gr%C3%BC%C3%9F)