Christoph Büchel
:
Municipal Winery in Krems an der Donau
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Drunk Tank was the name for a sobering-up cell envisaged in the terraces of the municipal vineyards. The entirely functional cube was to be run by the local police force and visited by volunteers. All of the noises within were to have been broadcast in the community via conical speakers. Too much self-irony, as the project was never realised.
Christoph Büchel has designed a sobering-up cell for the idyllic Wachau vineyards. The concept envisages the erection of a functional cube that stands in an isolated location on the Wachtberg vine terraces belonging to the City of Krems municipal winery, to be run by the local police. Drunkards and people in need of sobering up must come here voluntarily – according to the artist's instructions. The cell has a wonderful view. Although one wonders whether a drunk in a wretched state is in a fit state to appreciate the beauty of the countryside, or whether the sight of the vines will remind them of the glasses imbibed the day before. The artist has also conceived a little horror to amuse and annoy residents of the town: the noises made by the drunks are broadcast in Krems via a megaphone. Their comments as well as the inevitable farting, puking, groaning or whining can be heard by the whole town – as can the drunkards' treatment by the local officers of the law. Büchel's concept arouses reminiscences of show trials of the middle ages, where punishment was also intended as a deterrent and as a preventative measure. Büchel has fitted out his space with exactitude, including details that are apparent indications of activity, so that the viewer becomes a voyeur and investigator in a fictive narrative space.
(Hedwig Saxenhuber)
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