Nick Harde

Release Exhibition

An association consists of many, all of whom need something. The larger the collective, the more important the networks that facilitate the transport of useful and necessary things become. Transport happens sometimes loudly, sometimes quietly, sometimes delicately, and sometimes forcefully. The music on the radio flies to us invisibly through the air, a courier hums and rings on the streets. Trains, however: trains are different. They share their tracks with no one, are loud and massive, elegant but uncompromising. They travel everywhere, yet where they could come close to people, they are hidden behind sound barriers and routed over bridges. Where they cross paths, gates often stand in the way. For their benefit, other routes are temporarily closed. When a train rushes by at the Oldenburg track of the Bremen freight yard, the area is cut off from the rest of the city. At these times, it is completely surrounded by tracks. An island is created. More than a hundred times every day. The former Bremen freight handling facility has long ceased to be a transshipment point for cargo. Train operations were discontinued in 1997, yet the rhythm of the area is still determined by the sound of the trains. Being in this space invites reflection. Transport and infrastructure, necessities and needs, arriving and departing. The trains couldn’t care less; they don’t stop here; they are just passing through. They are happy to be observed, especially from up close. But caution is advised. Hearing their locomotive call means: Don’t come too close; I am bigger than you. Idea and concept by Nick Harde and Florian Witt. Sponsored by the Senator for Culture Bremen.