documenta managing director: artistic freedom still applies
Following the renewed anti-Semitism controversy surrounding the documenta in Kassel, the management of the world art show is facing major challenges. On the one hand, it must succeed in finding instruments for dealing clearly with anti-Semitism, racism and all forms of group-specific misanthropy, said documenta's managing director Andreas Hoffmann to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung. On the other hand, it must also be clear that artistic freedom still applies.
"It must be very clear that the selection of artists for documenta is the sole responsibility of the artistic director," explained Hoffmann. The expert opinion by Berlin legal scholar Christoph Möllers, "which categorically rules out the possibility of artistic programs being subject to prior state control, is of central importance in this regard." In a report commissioned by Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth (Greens), Möllers worked out what possibilities and limits the state has to intervene in the content of art.
Last year's documenta fifteen had already been overshadowed by an anti-Semitism scandal. Following renewed accusations against one member, the entire selection committee for the artistic direction of the 16th edition of the art exhibition resigned last week. Hoffmann then told the German Press Agency that he had not ruled out postponing the show planned for 2027. Alongside the Venice Biennale, documenta is considered the most important exhibition of contemporary art. It traditionally takes place every five years.
Despite the challenges posed by the anti-Semitism controversy, the documenta managing director underscores the importance of artistic freedom in the selection of artists. This was emphasized by Andreas Hoffmann in response to the resignation of the selection committee, noting that the artistic director has sole responsibility for choices and the legal scholar's opinion against state control is central.
Source: www.dpa.com
