Talk at WZB: Verstörende Kunst

documenta 15 from the perspective of sociology and cultural studies

Following the book presentation of “Kunst im Streit” in Kassel, Heinz Bude will also be talking to Michael Hutter in Berlin on April 28 about the boundaries of art and the associated dynamics of post-colonial discourse.

Some saw anti-Semitic stereotypes, others saw the self-expression of long-oppressed societies in the global South: documenta 15 in summer 2022 will be remembered above all for the “anti-Semitism scandal”. The history of the impact of this documenta includes a split in the art field and the ghostly return of questions about the presence of the Holocaust and colonialism. Almost three years after the show, two detailed analyses of the events have been published: “Kunst im Streit. Antisemitism and Postcolonial Debate at documenta fifteen”, edited by Heinz Bude and Meron Mendel, and ”Offensive Images. Social battles over the documenta fifteen scandal” by Michael Hutter. Together, the authors take a close look at media commentary and academic expertise and ask how art that disturbs society and wants to disturb the public can be scientifically observed and assessed.

Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
Time: 6.00 pm
Venue: WZB, Reichpietschufer 50, 10785, Room A300, Berlin

On the podium: Michael Hutter, Professor Emeritus at the WZBHeinz Bude, Professor Emeritus at the University of Kassel and founding director of the documenta institute

Moderation: Saskia Trebing, editor at Monopol magazine

Further information

About WZB

The WZB Berlin Social Science Center conducts basic research with a focus on problems of modern societies in a globalized world. The research is theory-based, problem-oriented, often long-term and mostly based on international comparisons. Research results are published for the scientific community as well as for experts in politics, business, the media and civic organizations.