The 13th Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art has sparked controversy even before opening its doors to the public. The curator, Zasha Colah, claimed that there is no censorship in Germany, but evidence suggests otherwise. The German state has been actively repressing expressions of solidarity with Palestine through various means such as police force, accusations of antisemitism, targeted arrests, criminal charges, coercion through the justice system, deportation, and banning. Organizations advocating for decolonial, queer, and feminist positions have faced funding cuts, artists and writers have had prizes rescinded, and events canceled. This climate of intimidation and punishment aims to silence anyone showing compassion for the victims of what is being called a German-government-enabled genocide.
Despite the repressive political climate in Germany, the Berlin Biennale features works from nearly 40 countries that address lawful violence in unjust systems. These works serve as blueprints for artists in the West who are facing their own struggles. The exhibition focuses on fugitive forms of information transmission, drawing inspiration from Berlin’s nocturnal wildlife. However, the lack of addressing the current political context in Germany raises questions about complicity.
Some of the standout works in the Biennale include a film from 1977 by the Polish group Akademia Ruchu, which staged a political resistance performance in Warsaw, contributing to the overthrow of an oppressive regime. Milica Tomić’s Grupa Spomenik explores the language of genocide, while other artists use civil disobedience and humor to undermine power. Works like “Berlin Piece for Voice and Tap Music” by Luzie Meyer directly address the cultural-political context in Germany.
The use of the fox as a trope in several works symbolizes clandestineness, fugitivity, and deniability. The late Croatian author Dubravka Ugrešić’s book “Fox” explores the ambiguity associated with the animal’s traits, reflecting survival strategies in challenging environments. The exhibition showcases works that tackle difficult subjects with creativity and resilience, offering a glimpse into the power of art to confront societal issues.
As the Berlin Biennale continues, it remains to be seen how these works will resonate with audiences and shed light on the complex political landscape in Germany. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the exhibition, it presents an opportunity for artists to engage with pressing social issues and inspire change through their creative expressions.
