The installation “Cold Metal Bodies“ by Alice Channer reflects a dialogue between natural elegance and industrial precision. A dialogue that continues within the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class – where the soft touch of ostrich feathers helps prepare each surface for a flawless finish.
As part of the BETRIEBSBEREIT exhibition (September 6–14, 2025), we had a very special photo shoot in the industrial setting of the Wilhelm Hallen in Berlin—a former iron foundry. “Cold Metal Bodies” was photographed alongside a Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. And that’s not all—we were also able to secure artist Alice Channer to discuss this unique encounter and her inspiration for the artwork in an on-site video interview. Roll the film!
Cold Metal Bodies
The “Cold Metal Bodies” installation consists of five stainless steel chains hanging from the ceiling. Cleaning discs with ostrich feathers are attached to each chain at different heights. Two very different materials collide here: solid, cold metal and soft, supple feathers. The combination of contrasting materials is typical for the work of artist Alice Channer. She usually combines organic and artificial materials, in reference to the centuries-old debate about the relationship between nature and technology. Through her sculptures, Channer fosters a reflective and, above all, nuanced approach to both categories.
In the case of “Cold Metal Bodies”, Channer makes reference to the production of ostrich feather brushes, which involves precision craftsmanship: Firstly, the most intact, longest and most even ostrich feathers are selected. These are then glued onto cylindrical bodies by hand. The brush ring segments can be strung together in different lengths. In Channer’s piece, however, the usefulness of the brushes takes a back seat to the aesthetic effect of the magnificent black feathers.
The ostrich feather was already considered a luxury item in ancient times, when it was used as jewellery. In ancient Egypt it was a symbol of justice because of its symmetry. And at least since the 18th century, the white tail feathers or pinion wings on the wing tips were a fashionable must-have for hats and other accessories. Due to the great demand, the breeding of ostriches began in the 19th century. Today, most ostrich farms are located in Africa. They are mainly used for meat; only a small part of the breeding is for feathers. The brushes used in Alice Channer’s artwork come from a manufacturer in Baden-Württemberg that sources its feathers from farms that ensure animal welfare standards.
Channer’s inspiration for the artwork “Cold Metal Bodies” is directly linked to the automotive industry: The artist learnt about the use of ostrich feather brushes in a car factory. The brushes are used there at the beginning of the painting process for vehicles: Rotating rollers equipped with ostrich feathers pick up the finest dust particles as they glide over the body surfaces. The soft feathers also prevent the surface from being scratched. This enables beautiful, flawless paintwork on clean surfaces. At Mercedes-Benz rollers equipped with ostrich feathers, amongst other materials, are also used in the painting process for some of our vehicles. Thus, here two high-quality products meet, both of which are based on precision craftsmanship.
The artist Alice Channer (born in 1977, lives and works in London) is known for her sculptures and mixed-media installations in which she explores our relationship with various objects. Channer is primarily interested in the symbolic and functional significance of the chosen materials. She concentrates on production techniques from fields that are unrelated to the arts – such as the chemical industry or the high-precision process of CNC milling.