Press Release

Book Presentation: Art in Conflict – Anti-Semitism and Postcolonial Debate at documenta fifteen

Dear Media Representatives,
 
We would like to cordially invite you to the presentation of the anthology edited by Meron Mendel and Heinz Bude
 
Art in Conflict – Anti-Semitism and Postcolonial Debate at documenta fifteen.
 
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
7 pm, admission from 6.30 pm
Fridericianum
Friedrichsplatz 18, 34117 Kassel

The publication Art in Conflict arose out of the research project Anti-Semitism and Postcolonial Debate at documenta fifteen (2022-2023) led by Heinz Bude and Meron Mendel. The book analyzes the dynamics of the postcolonial discourse on rights of speech and silence, on fundamental taboos of representation and necessary visualizations, on the condemnation of Jew-hatred, and on outrage over racism surrounding documenta 15. It also takes into account the immediate prehistory of the art exhibition, the role of the city of Kassel as a documenta city, the significance of "criticism of Israel" in postcolonial discourse, and the question of the boundaries of art and the associated ideas of anti-Semitism and postcoloniality.

Heinz Bude, sociologist and founding director of the documenta Institut, explains: "The volume provides information about an art event that has divided the global art world like no other, and it sums up the cumulative contamination of a world art show as a result of clumsiness, omission, incomprehension, and lack of connection. It is not just a review of the debates that took place in 2022, but also an analysis of the mechanisms that fuel such escalations: Who is allowed to speak, who must remain silent? Which historical traumas are negotiable – and which are considered untouchable? documenta 15 was a focal point for these questions. In this volume, we examine political, cultural, and social dynamics that will also shape future art events."

Meron Mendel, educator and director of the Anne Frank Educational Center, states: "documenta has always been a place where art meets politics – but rarely has the controversy been as fierce as at documenta 15. The controversy has not only shaken an art exhibition itself but has raised fundamental questions about the limits of artistic freedom, collective responsibility, and the mechanisms of public outrage. It is not enough to dismiss these events as a one-off crisis. We must learn from them: How can we prevent such escalations from repeating themselves? And how can we preserve art as a space for critical reflection without compromising fundamental values such as the fight against anti-Semitism and racism? The publication Art in Conflict is a necessary contribution to this debate."
 
Sven Schoeller, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of documenta und Museum Fridericianum gGmbH and Lord Mayor of the City of Kassel, emphasizes: “documenta 15 has developed into a particular touchstone: for artistic freedom, for protecting human dignity, for curatorial and operational responsibility, and for social cohesion. The anthology presented by Prof. Bude and Prof. Mendel makes it very clear that the freedom of art needs a responsible framework – and it clearly underlines the need for spaces for socio-political discourse at eye level and for solidarity in what is – fortunately – a diverse society.”

Timon Gremmels, Hessian Minister for Science and Research, Art and Culture, explains: "I would like to thank Mr. Bude and Mr. Mendel warmly for the anthology Art in Conflict, which emerged from their important research project on anti-Semitism and post-colonialism at documenta 15 and which was funded by my ministry. The volume sheds light on the events, background, and reception of the anti-Semitism controversy from various perspectives. I particularly appreciate the multidisciplinary collaboration with the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, the Anne Frank Educational Center, and the documenta Institute, which provides us with valuable scientific impulses for cultural policy and the cultural sector. This debate is essential in order to confront the challenges of anti-Semitism in our society and especially within the cultural sector."

As Managing Director of documenta und Museum Fridericianum gGmbH, Andreas Hoffmann welcomes the intensive examination of the conditions of public speech and the impact on the notion of freedom in art and stresses: "documenta is a learning institution and a place of learning. This makes it all the more important to collect the experiences that artists, cultural producers, and visitors offer and themselves perceive on the documenta platforms, to process them scientifically and to make them productive for new discourses and audiences."

Press Contact
Silke Müller
Abteilungsleitung Kommunikation / Head of Communications
T +49 561 70727-2520
press@documenta.de

Sofia Asvestopoulos
documenta Institut
Kommunikation und Redaktion / Communications and editorial office
asvestopoulos@documenta-institut.de