Mendelsohn’s Incessant Visions documents the groundbreaking work of Erich Mendelsohn. Watch it on Shelter this October.
Shelter presents a compelling lineup of films this October, focusing on two influential figures in the worlds of architecture and sculpture: Erich Mendelsohn and Dani Karavan.
Through documentaries, audiences are offered intimate portrayals of their creative philosophies, careers, and personal struggles, showcasing both the ambition and relentless pursuit of artistic vision that defined their lives.
Mendelsohn’s Incessant Visions
Mendelsohn’s Incessant Visions offers a deep dive into the life and work of pioneering Expressionist architect Erich Mendelsohn. Beginning with his humble origins in East Prussia, Mendelsohn’s career took off after his marriage to Luise Maas, a cellist who became his closest confidante and sharpest critic. Her influence was integral to his creative process, offering insights that would help shape his unique architectural philosophy.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1920s Weimar Germany, Mendelsohn became a contemporary of influential figures such as Albert Einstein, Fritz Lang, and Ernst Toller. His architectural achievements include the Einsteinturm, designed to test Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, and a series of iconic buildings that helped pioneer the Art Deco movement in Berlin.
Despite his immense success, Mendelsohn’s career was disrupted by the rise of the Nazis, forcing him to flee Germany. His later years were spent in exile, where he continued to create but remained unwavering in his commitment to his architectural vision.
The documentary intricately weaves together Mendelsohn’s life through a combination of his original designs, love letters to Luise, and reflections from contemporary architects. With its focus on both his personal and professional journeys, Mendelsohn’s Incessant Visions offers a poignant exploration of an artist determined to stay true to his creative principles, no matter the cost.
Mendelsohn’s Incessant Visions (71 mins) Israel 2011
Available on Shelter from October 7, 2024
Dani Karavan: High Maintenance
Renowned Israeli sculptor Dani Karavan is the subject of High Maintenance, a documentary that delves into the mind of an artist with over 100 environmental installations to his name. Despite receiving numerous prestigious international awards, Karavan, approaching his 90th birthday, remains discontent with his legacy.
As his monumental works begin to deteriorate, Karavan finds himself wrestling not only with the physical decline of his creations but also with the political tensions in Israel that deeply frustrate him. His frustration extends to the documentary filmmaker himself, adding a layer of humour and tension to the narrative.
Through his reflections, Karavan’s complex character is revealed. As he confronts issues surrounding his latest commission, his political convictions are laid bare. Karavan’s work, he insists, is inherently political, and he passionately argues that art and politics cannot be separated, invoking Picasso’s Guernica as a prime example.
High Maintenance is more than just a biographical film—it offers a window into the emotional and intellectual world of an artist grappling with his legacy, creative process, and the inevitable passage of time.
Dani Karavan: High Maintenance (66 mins) Israel & Poland 2020
Available on Shelter from October 21, 2024
These documentaries provide thoughtful, in-depth looks at two remarkable creators who pushed boundaries in their respective fields. Shelter’s October 2024 line-up is a celebration of art, architecture, and the human spirit behind some of the world’s most iconic works.
