Lost Archive Found: Helke Bayrle’s Intimate Films of Frankfurt’s Portikus Now Online
Frankfurt, Germany – In a significant development for art historians and enthusiasts, a remarkable archive of video footage documenting three decades of exhibitions at the influential Portikus art space in Frankfurt am Main has been made publicly available. The films, created by the late Helke Bayrle (1941–2022), offer an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look at the creation and unfolding of some of contemporary art’s most important moments. This is a breaking news story with immediate implications for SEO and Google News indexing, offering a unique resource for researchers and art lovers alike.
A Life Documented in Film: Helke Bayrle’s Unique Perspective
For over three decades, Helke Bayrle wasn’t just at the art; she was documenting it. Always with her video camera, she captured her husband, artist Thomas Bayrle, during teaching at the Städelschule, the creation of his own artwork, and the often-chaotic process of setting up and opening exhibitions. But it was her sustained focus on Portikus, from 1992 to 2022, that has yielded this extraordinary treasure. Unlike official exhibition documentation, Bayrle’s films are deeply personal, brimming with the enthusiasm and curiosity she brought to every project. They aren’t polished productions; they’re intimate glimpses into the energy and collaborative spirit of the art world.
“Portikus Under Construction”: An Art Historical Goldmine
The resulting film series, aptly titled “Portikus Under Construction,” comprises 182 relatively short films. This isn’t simply a record of what was shown at Portikus; it’s a record of how it was shown. We see the physical labor, the logistical challenges, the last-minute adjustments, and the quiet moments of contemplation. The archive is now recognized as art-historically valuable material in its own right, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of contemporary art and exhibition practices. The films are freely accessible to all at www.portikusunderconstruction.de, making this a truly democratic access point to a previously unseen history.
From Editing to Estate Management: The Legacy Continues
The preservation and digitization of this archive is thanks to the dedicated work of Sunnah Choi. A former student of both Thomas Bayrle and Georg Herold at the Städelschule, Choi assisted Bayrle from 2001 to 2017 and meticulously edited all of Helke Bayrle’s films, overseeing the “Portikus Under Construction” series. Now based in Berlin, Choi manages Helke Bayrle’s estate and continues to share her work, also teaching at the State Academy of Fine Arts in Stuttgart. Fabian Schöneich, former curator at Portikus and founding director of the CCA Berlin, further contributed by editing the anthology “Portikus Under Construction 1992–2016,” providing a commented overview of the films.
The Power of Unfiltered Documentation: A Lesson for the Future
Helke Bayrle’s work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unfiltered documentation. In an age of carefully curated social media and highly produced content, her raw, intimate films offer a refreshing contrast. They demonstrate that the process of making art is just as valuable – and often more revealing – than the finished product. This archive isn’t just a window into the past; it’s a blueprint for how we might document the art of the future, prioritizing authenticity and accessibility. The availability of these films will undoubtedly inspire new research, spark critical conversations, and offer a deeper understanding of the vibrant art scene that flourished at Portikus and beyond. For those seeking a deeper dive into contemporary art history, or simply a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain, www.portikusunderconstruction.de is an essential destination.
