GFZK Leipzig Website

Concepts and designs for the business activities of the GfZK are created by artists. In each case the artists’ role amounts to more than satisfying a prescribed task: functions and target groups are placed at their disposal, redefined, broadened or in some cases displaced. The result is that economic questions become part of the project and part of the conceptual approach. This allows one to act in a way that is neither subjugated to economical necessities and forces nor separates these from the creation of art, but which rather explores these in a practical way.
Jun Yang’s hotel room is named ‘Paris Syndrome’, opened in december 2010. In 2012 Christine Hill converted the second half of the studio building into the Hotelapartment „Hotel Volksboutique“.

The Hotel
Jun Yang >Paris Syndrome<
The name “Paris Syndrome” refers to an illness suffered by Japanese tourists whose expectations of Paris are disappointed when they actually arrive in the city. It results in them suffering a kind of negative culture shock akin to a trauma. In principle, any journey can lead to frustration if our original expectations are disappointed by reality. However it is possible to make new discoveries, providing that you are able let go of your initial expectations and remain open to new experiences. The same thing applies to the Paris Syndrome Hotel. Rather than originals, you are confronted with imitations. The armchairs are covered with an imitation Louis-Vuitton fabric, and ostentatious chandeliers hang from the ceiling of the living room. The chairs are reminiscent of Charles and Ray Eames designs, whilst the tables refer to French bistro tables. The photographs on the walls depict famous pieces of historical architecture that have been rebuilt in various places throughout the world. However, upon second glance the imitations emerge as unique, unconventional interpretations that can easily hold their own against the originals they set out to imitate. Once we have become aware of details such as this, there are other unusual features to be discovered.