Scandal at the documenta: anti-Semitic artwork is covered up

Created: 06/20/2022, 20:42

By: Matthias Lohr

Artwork by the Indonesian collective Taring Padi on Friedrichsplatz Kassel at the documenta.

© Catherine Meyer

A documenta artwork on Friedrichsplatz allegedly shows anti-Semitism.

The horror is great.

In the evening the work of art was covered.

Kassel - After months of anti-Semitism debate, there are new and more serious allegations against the documenta: A large-format banner by the Indonesian artist collective Taring Padi on Kassel's Friedrichsplatz clearly shows anti-Semitic motifs.

The Israeli embassy in Berlin, among others, asked the documenta management to remove the artwork immediately.

The former Greens member of the Bundestag, Volker Beck, announced that he wanted to turn on the public prosecutor's office.

On Monday evening (June 20th), the work of art should be completely covered, as reported by hna.de.

The preparations for this are currently underway.

Numerous visitors and onlookers came to Friedrichsplatz to take another photo.

Among the guests is Iswanto Hartono, one of the members of the Indonesian collective Ruangrupa, which curates documenta fifteen.

documenta in Kassel: Art on Friedrichsplatz causes indignation

In a statement distributed in the evening, the artists apologize for injuries caused by their work.

The 2002 banner, titled "People's Justice," is part of a campaign against militarism and the violence experienced by the artists during the 32-year Suharto military dictatorship in Indonesia.

and their legacy, which continues to have an impact today.

All of the figures depicted on the banner would refer to a symbolism that is widespread in Indonesia's political context - such as the corrupt administration.

Therefore, for example, soldiers would be depicted as pigs.

The management and the artistic direction of Ruangruppa therefore jointly decided to cover up the work on Friedrichsplatz and to install an explanation.

The work of art by Taring Padi in front of the documenta hall shows a hidden-object-like battle painting.

Among other things, a figure can be seen that reminds observers of "Stürmer" cartoons from the Nazi era.

SS runes are emblazoned on the man's hat.

A pig face wears a helmet belonging to the Israeli secret service Mossad.

also read

Nationally known speed camera bridge brings millions in revenue - police satisfied

Anger over rent for Ukraine refugees - landlord pissed off

documenta in Kassel: Hessian Minister of Art Dorn speaks of "anti-Semitic visual language"

The Hessian Minister of Art Angela Dorn (Greens) also had the impression that there was "anti-Semitic visual language" here, as she said.

She therefore contacted the documenta general director Sabine Schormann to clarify the matter.

Dorn assured that “anti-Semitic resentments and anti-Semitism must not be expressed at the documenta;

documenta and the Ruangrupa curatorial collective have emphasized this again and again”.

Meron Mendel, director of the Anne Frank educational center, asked our newspaper to take it down immediately: "An open and clear form of anti-Semitism is being shown - and that in a central square." (Matthias Lohr)

The documenta 2022 will take place in Kassel for the 15th time – from June 18th to September 25th.

All important information about the world art exhibition at a glance.