Excavation (2013)

The Institute for Research and Documentation of the Erased History (IRDEH) is an artistic design and research platform dedicated to the study and reconstruction of the Dark Period (ca. 1970-2030). As a result of a well-controlled regression and erasure process, the objects of our present daily lives have abandoned their familiar social context and became mysterious findings from an incomprehensible ancient period of time. By investigating this dark void of our contemporary society from an unaffected future perspective, the institute serves as a structure for both critical research and artistic production. The reconstruction of the so-called Erased History is conducted in order to provide society with meaningful insights into its past-present-future, as only unexpected interpretations of historical and contemporary events may allow developments towards alternative futures. The series of speculative Ranging Poles provided by the IRDEH facilitate such personal excavation activities that do not relay on familiar scales and norms and trigger independent observations.

Guy Königstein works on spatial and theoretical projects in the intersection between art, design and research. Interested in the production of narratives as means of creation, participation and stimulation, he creates interventions in academic frameworks, cultural institutions, social processes or procedures of urban development.