documenta: Showing that critical art can be presented

World Art Exhibition in Kassel - documenta: Showing that critical art can be presented

The anti-Semitism scandal surrounding documenta fifteen, the recent resignation of the selection committee for the artistic direction of documenta 16: the world art exhibition in Kassel is facing major challenges. "Our goal must be to show that it is still possible to present critical art in Germany," said Managing Director Andreas Hoffmann.

"We must ensure artistic freedom and at the same time make it clear that documenta is taking place in a country with a history - the country that invented the Shoah with the cruel murder of six million Jews."

Hoffmann: regaining trust

In this situation, which is unique in the history of documenta, the main aim must be to regain trust. In the reasons for the resignation of the selection committee, it is clear that there are doubts as to whether the framework is currently sufficient in Germany to present critical art. "Obviously, there is a reservation of censorship or the impossibility of debate," says Hoffmann.

With a view to the upcoming documenta, Hoffmann emphasized: "One thing is clear: there must not and will not be any preliminary examination of the art by the management or committees. However, in the case of contributions that turn out to be anti-Semitic or show other content that points to the area of group-specific humanity, we have the possibility of direct dialogue, contextualization and - but only within the framework of criminal relevance - to remove works from the exhibition in extreme cases, even against the will of the artistic direction."

Selection committee resigned

Last year's documenta fifteen had already been overshadowed by an anti-Semitism scandal. Following renewed accusations of anti-Semitism against a member of the selection committee for the Artistic Director of documenta 16, first this member and later the entire selection committee resigned in mid-November.

Alongside the Venice Biennale, documenta is regarded as the most important exhibition of contemporary art. The 16th edition of the show is scheduled to take place in Kassel from June 12 to September 19, 2027.

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1. The scandal surrounding antisemitic remarks made by a member of the selection committee for documenta 16 led to their resignation, following similar accusations during documenta fifteen.
2. Andreas Hoffmann, the managing director of documenta, stated that the goal is to demonstrate that critical art can still be presented in Germany, despite its complex history.
3. Hoffmann emphasized the importance of artistic freedom, while also acknowledging the need to address issues of antisemitism in art exhibitions, such as documenta, which takes place in Hesse, Germany.
4. The upcoming documenta, scheduled for June 12 to September 19, 2027 in Kassel, will be the 16th edition of this world art exhibition and one of the most important contemporary art shows alongside the Venice Biennale.
5. In light of the recent events and resignations, documenta must regain trust and ensure that they provide a safe and inclusive platform for artists, while still allowing for the presentation of critical and thought-provoking art.
6. It's important to note that Andreas Hoffmann's role in this situation has been key, as he navigates the challenges and seeks to uphold the values of artistic freedom and cultural diversity at documenta, while also addressing the issue of antisemitism in the world of art.

Source: www.stern.de