Germany
Dessau
2020
84
German
English
In a nutshell
Richard Paulick’s career was a mosaic of contradictions — modernist Bauhaus ideals alongside socialist industrialism, avant-garde innovation woven into national architectural traditions. His life was marked by the upheavals of war, shifting ideologies, and forced relocations, yet his dedication to architecture never wavered. Paulick emerged as one of the most influential architects of the German Democratic Republic, breathing new life into war-torn cities like Dresden and Berlin, while also shaping the industrial landscapes of smaller East German towns. Remarkably, his work extended far beyond Europe’s borders, leaving a legacy in pre-communist Shanghai as well. The exhibition at the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation, a beacon of German avant-garde architecture, vividly captures Paulick’s lifelong quest for self-realization in the face of the political and social currents of the 20th century. Through his work, the complexities of personal and ideological resilience unfold, offering viewers a window into both the man and the turbulent world he helped to shape.
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Curators(s)
Thomas Flierl
BioBorn in 1957 in Berlin, Thomas Flierl studied philosophy and aesthetics at the Humboldt University and completed his doctorate in 1985. Following roles in the Ministry of Culture and as a head of the Berlin Prenzlauer Berg cultural office, he served as Berlin’s Senator for Science, Research, and Culture from 2002 to 2006. A specialist in 20th-century architecture and urban planning, his research spans the Soviet Union and post-socialist memory cultures. From 2007 to 2023, he chaired the Hermann-Henselmann-Stiftung and continues to lead the Max-Lingner-Stiftung while contributing to academic research at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.
Scholar(s)
Wolfgang Thöner
BioSince 2009, Wolfgang Thöner has been leading the collection department at the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation, where he focuses on the history and reception of the Bauhaus, particularly in East Germany from 1945 to 1990. His research encompasses architecture, functionalism, visual arts, and cultural history. In addition to his academic pursuits, he has curated numerous exhibitions on Bauhaus history, architecture, and contemporary artists.
