Biochemisches perpetuum mobile 1984

Siegfried Zademack created "Biochemisches perpetuum mobile" which depicts two rotary phones sitting on a table in a surreal landscape. As technology advanced in the late 20th century, the telephone became a symbol of connection and communication, but here, those connections seem stranded. Zademack, born in post-war Germany, perhaps uses this image to speak to feelings of isolation and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. The title itself references the concept of a perpetual motion machine, something that runs forever without external energy, mirroring a desire for endless communication and connection. The stark, almost dreamlike setting, combined with the outdated technology, evokes a sense of melancholy. It asks us to consider the ways in which we seek connection and the potential futility of those efforts in a world that often feels vast and empty. This painting reflects the deep human yearning for conversation and community in a world that can leave us feeling disconnected.