Status: 06/18/2022 1:54 p.m
The documenta is considered one of the most important exhibitions for modern art. But this time there were not only words of praise at the opening: Federal President Steinmeier criticized the handling of allegations of anti-Semitism.
At the official opening ceremony of documenta fifteen, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier criticized those responsible for the way the art show dealt with allegations of anti-Semitism. “It is striking that no Jewish artists from Israel are represented at this important exhibition of contemporary art,” he said. He was not sure beforehand whether he would come to the opening in Kassel at all.
He finds it disturbing that representatives of the “Global South” are increasingly refusing to take part in events or festivals together with Jewish Israelis.
“Freedom of opinion and freedom of art are at the heart of our constitution. Criticism of Israeli politics is permitted,” said Steinmeier. “But where criticism of Israel turns into questioning of its existence, the limit has been crossed.”
“Exchange across cultures”
At the opening, the Hessian Prime Minister Boris Rhein emphasized its role as one of the world’s most important art exhibitions. “The documenta is also a platform for cultural exchange across different cultural areas,” said the CDU politician in Kassel. In difficult political times, it often offers a first bridge to establish, strengthen and expand connections.
Mission Statement of the Lumbung
The exhibition is being curated for the first time by an artist collective from Asia – the nine-person group Ruangrupa from Indonesia. According to her ideas, the world art exhibition should focus more on the view of the people in Asia, Africa and Latin America on the world and their problems.
The exhibition organizers feel connected to the philosophy of the lumbung, a common barn common in Indonesia, in which the harvest is collected and is available to everyone. The Ruangrupa sees the core of its exhibition concept in the joint contribution of skills and sharing.
Objects by the Indonesian artist Agus Our Amal PMTOH
Image: AP
Dispute over Palestinian contribution
In the past few months there had been a discussion about hostility to Israel. The accusation of anti-Semitism was based on the fact that some of the participating Palestinian artists are supposed to support the international BDS campaign, which the Bundestag has classified as anti-Semitic, calling for a boycott against Israel.
Among others, the mayor of Kassel and documenta supervisory board chairman Christian Geselle had rejected these allegations. The SPD politician stressed that Ruangrupa had taken a clear stand against anti-Semitism, racism, right-wing extremism, violent religious fundamentalism and any kind of discrimination.
“The audience expects a very dynamic, interactive, colourful, lively, happy, but also thoughtful ‘documenta fifteen’,” says Geselle. Kassel is a cosmopolitan city and is looking forward to the special flair over the next 100 days.
1500 artists involved
According to the organizers, around 1,500 artists from all over the world are involved in the exhibition, which is spread over around 30 locations in the city.
The documenta is considered one of the world’s most important exhibitions for modern art and takes place every five years. It goes back to an initiative by the Kassel painter and university teacher Arnold Bode, who organized the first major show of modern art in his hometown in 1955.