Clemens von Wedemeyer – Mehrheiten [Majorities]
Culture | History
18+

Clemens von Wedemeyer – Mehrheiten [Majorities]

Clemens von Wedemeyer – Mehrheiten
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.

Bauhaus – Shanghai – Stalinallee – Ha-Neu. The life of architect Richard Paulick, 1903­–1979
Arts | Culture
18+

Bauhaus – Shanghai – Stalinallee – Ha-Neu. The life of architect Richard Paulick, 1903­–1979

Bauhaus – Shanghai – Stalinallee – Ha-Neu. Der Lebensweg des Architekten Richard Paulick 1903 – 1979
Germany Dessau 2020 84
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 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.

Why should you watch this?

This exhibition offers more than just an understanding of Richard Paulick’s architectural legacy — it provides timely insights into the enduring tension between modernism, tradition, and the political influence on design. In today’s context, where cities worldwide face the issues of sustainable development, urban sprawl, and the preservation of cultural identity, Paulick’s work exemplifies the challenges of building for both functionality and aesthetic character under shifting ideologies. The guided tour illuminates how these issues resonate in contemporary debates about urban planning, sustainability, and the role of architecture in shaping not only cities but societal values. Understanding Paulick’s adaptive yet visionary approach offers fresh perspectives on the balance we seek today between innovation and heritage.
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