TIME FOR OUTRAGE! Art in Times of Social Anger | Introduction
Germany
Dusseldorf
2020
27
Can anger and rage be justified in a world riddled with oppression and inequality? Are these emotions destructive forces or vital catalysts for social change? As democracy faces crises and populism gains ground globally, these questions have sparked renewed debate. Contemporary artists have responded, using their work to navigate and challenge the pressing issues of our time.
The exhibition ‘Time for Outrage!’ in Düsseldorf explores these questions through six thematic blocks: Right-wing Shift, Trumpism, Protest, Postcolonialism, Feminism, and Discrimination. Across a diverse range of mediums — including installations, drawings, paintings, sculptures, photography, and video art — 40 international artists immerse viewers in the visceral realms of protest, social dissent, and public anger. The exhibition doesn’t just present anger as a raw emotion; it portrays it as a vehicle for dialogue, resistance, and empowerment in the face of systemic injustice.
A substantial portion of the works on display come from the collection of entrepreneur and collector Florian Peters-Messer, whose commitment to socially engaged art amplifies the urgent messages these pieces convey.
Why should you watch this?
Vasily Ulitin. Elegy
Russia
Moscow
2018
63
Vasily Ulitin. Elegy is a poignant exploration of memory and the human experience, showcasing contemporary artworks that delve into themes of loss and nostalgia. This compelling exhibition brings together a diverse array of artists, each offering a unique lens on the fragility of existence and the echoes of the past. Through striking visuals and thought-provoking installations, visitors are invited to reflect on the transient nature of life and the artifacts of memory that linger in our minds. The careful curation weaves a narrative that transcends individual perspectives, creating a shared space for solace and contemplation.
Why should you watch this?
This exhibition is an emotional journey that invites you to confront the depth of human experience through the lens of contemporary creativity. By showcasing artists who grapple with themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time, this exhibition resonates with anyone reflecting on their own stories. Each piece acts as a portal into personal and collective memories, encouraging introspection and dialogue. The thought-provoking installations challenge you to consider how we hold onto the past and the beauty and pain that intertwine in our lives. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply curious, this guided tour offers a unique opportunity to engage with profound artistic expressions that linger in the heart and mind long after you leave.
![Clemens von Wedemeyer – Mehrheiten [Majorities]](https://cloud.excours.io/film-previews/clemens-von-wedemeyer.gif "Clemens von Wedemeyer – Mehrheiten [Majorities]")
Clemens von Wedemeyer – Mehrheiten [Majorities]
Germany
Leipzig
2019
27
The exhibition critically examines the evolution of mass mobilization and crowd dynamics in both historical and contemporary contexts, drawing inspiration from Elias Canetti’s “Crowds and Power.” Set against the backdrop of the GfZK’s new architectural space, the exhibition engages with the complexities of collective action, exploring how digital public spheres shape democratic participation while simultaneously being exploited for exclusionary practices. Featuring a rich array of video installations and cinematic works, including the new production “70.001,” which reimagines the 1989 Leipzig demonstrations, “Majorities” invites reflection on the nuances of social behavior and the implications of simulated experiences in gaming and surveillance. Through this thoughtful presentation, Wedemeyer prompts us to consider the intertwining narratives of isolation and community, resonating powerfully in today’s fragmented society.
Why should you watch this?
Watching this guided tour is crucial in our current landscape marked by digital polarization and the resurgence of mass movements. As societies grapple with issues of identity, representation, and exclusion within online spaces, this exhibition offers a vital framework for understanding how crowd dynamics shape our collective psyche and political discourse. In an age where social media can amplify divisive ideologies, gaining insights into the historical and psychological underpinnings of mass mobilization is essential. The tour encourages participants to critically examine how these dynamics operate today, heightening awareness of the fine line between community engagement and manipulation. By exploring these themes, viewers are invited to reflect on their agency within the digital public sphere, making the experience not just an exploration of art and history, but also a compelling call to engage thoughtfully in the ongoing dialogue about democracy and social responsibility in our interconnected world.
HOW TO SURVIVE ― Art as Survival Strategy | with Carina Plath
Germany
Hannover
2020
34
The group exhibition presents a compelling exploration of how art provides resilience in times of personal and societal crisis. The exhibition features works by renowned artists like Gustav Metzger, Shusaku Arakawa, and Alina Szapocznikow, each of whom faced extreme adversity and transformed their experiences into profound artistic statements. Whether addressing environmental destruction, illness, or existential threats, these artists used creativity as a means to survive and challenge the limits of human endurance. The exhibition emphasizes the power of art to propose alternative perspectives when the world seems trapped in binary thinking. By engaging with radical artistic responses to crisis, visitors are invited to reflect on how creativity can offer strength, hope, and new possibilities for navigating the uncertainties of modern life. Art, in this context, becomes more than expression — it becomes a strategy for survival and transformation.
Why should you watch this?
The exhibition tackles pressing issues like climate change, personal trauma, and social upheaval, and having a knowledgeable guide helps to bring those themes to life. It’s not just about admiring the art; it’s about understanding the stories and survival strategies that inspired each piece. This context makes the art resonate even more, helping you connect with the messages in a meaningful way. In a time when we’re all looking for ways to navigate challenges, a guided tour offers fresh insights that can spark reflection and inspire hope.
Sergiy Bratkov. My Brother’s Cats | Curatorial Introduction with Annegret Laabs
Germany
Magdeburg
2024
25
Sergiy Bratkov (b. 1960) is renowned for his radically unsettling and striking photographs that, beneath their vivid surface, present an unflinching report on societal conditions. Like other members of the “Kharkiv School of Photography,” his work over the past 30 years has focused on social photography. In spring 2022, the Ukrainian artist, who had been living in Moscow since 2004, emigrated to Berlin. His recent work, previously centered on outdated Soviet-era clichés and the brash new capitalism of post-Soviet Ukraine, has now been sharply refocused by the brutal realities of the ongoing war.
In this exhibition, Bratkov presents new cycles of images and videos created since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The once ironic observer has transformed into a reflective analyst, confronting the horrors of war in his former homeland. His new works grapple with this trauma while resisting the pull of hopelessness.
Why should you watch this?
Augury of Cosmos
Russia
Moscow
2018
78
The exhibition Augury of Cosmos showcases the innovative works of contemporary artists, who masterfully blend traditional techniques with modern themes to explore the complexities of human experience. Through a diverse array of mediums, including painting and installation, viewers engage with the interplay of memory, identity, and the passage of time. Thought-provoking pieces challenge conventional narratives, encouraging a dialogue between the past and present. This exhibition not only highlights unique artistic vision but also serves as a reflection on the broader cultural landscape, making it a must-see for anyone interested in the evolution of contemporary art.
Why should you watch this?
Step into the transformative world of contemporary art at the exhibition Augury of Cosmos, showcasing the extraordinary work of artist Mikhail Slogunov. This immersive event delves into the intricate relationship between identity, memory, and the myriad forces that shape our perceptions of self and otherness. Slogunov’s evocative pieces challenge viewers to confront societal norms and personal biases, making it not just an exhibition, but a profound exploration of the human experience. With a diverse array of multimedia installations, the show encourages dialogue and introspection, inviting you to engage deeply with art that resonates on both emotional and intellectual levels.
Train Arrival
Russia
Moscow
2018
56
“Arrival of the Train” is a captivating exhibition that unites over a hundred artistic works from both Russian and international creators, celebrating the train’s rich cultural significance as a harbinger of change and progress. It delves into the multifaceted roles of trains throughout history—from transformative technological marvels to poignant symbols in art—inviting viewers to journey through time and space. Showcasing everything from the historic funeral train of Lenin to the nostalgic echoes of the Trans-Siberian Railway, the exhibition highlights the train’s enduring impact on civilization and its power as a vessel for communication and innovation, ultimately crafting a shared narrative that connects cultures and eras in a uniquely dynamic way.
Why should you watch this?
The tour offers profound insights into our rapidly changing social landscape. In an era marked by globalization, technological advancement, and environmental challenges, the train serves as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of cultures and the migration of ideas. The exhibition elevates the experience, providing expert interpretations that illuminate how the train symbolizes not only progress but also the historical traumas associated with industrialization and modernization. As society grapples with issues like climate change, urbanization, and the quest for sustainable mobility, this exhibition invites reflection on our past and present relationship with transportation and technology. Engaging with these themes alongside knowledgeable curators allows viewers to critically assess their own narratives and environmental footprints, fostering a deeper connection to both art and contemporary global issues.
Actually, the Dead Are Not Dead. Una forma de ser. | Introduction
Germany
Stuttgart
2020
The exhibition explores the interplay between celebration and political expression, rooted in the context of marginalized communities. Drawing inspiration from the Bergen Assembly 2019, this exhibition examines how festivities serve as platforms for social emancipation and self-determination, particularly within the Rom*nja, Flamenco, and Bohemian cultures since the 19th century. By interweaving historical and contemporary works, the exhibition highlights the transformative power of communal gatherings, where joy, rebellion, and artistic innovation intertwine. Una forma de ser invites visitors to reflect on the significance of togetherness, creativity, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Why should you watch this?
Sergiy Bratkov. My Brother’s Cats | Immersive Artist Tour
Germany
Magdeburg
2024
43
Sergiy Bratkov (b. 1960) is renowned for his radically unsettling and striking photographs that, beneath their vivid surface, present an unflinching report on societal conditions. Like other members of the “Kharkiv School of Photography,” his work over the past 30 years has focused on social photography. In spring 2022, the Ukrainian artist, who had been living in Moscow since 2004, emigrated to Berlin. His recent work, previously centered on outdated Soviet-era clichés and the brash new capitalism of post-Soviet Ukraine, has now been sharply refocused by the brutal realities of the ongoing war.
In this exhibition, Bratkov presents new cycles of images and videos created since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The once ironic observer has transformed into a reflective analyst, confronting the horrors of war in his former homeland. His new works grapple with this trauma while resisting the pull of hopelessness.