Germany
Essen
2018
55
German
English, German
In a nutshell
Why should you watch this?
Klaus Staeck’s exhibition resonates deeply with contemporary audiences, serving as a powerful reminder of art’s capacity to provoke thought and inspire social change. In an age marked by political polarization and social unrest, Staeck’s nearly 180 posters challenge us to confront uncomfortable truths and reflect on the role of dissent in shaping public discourse. His bold, often scandalous imagery speaks to the importance of artists as catalysts for conversation, urging society to engage with pressing issues such as inequality, identity, and civic responsibility. As we navigate our own crises today, Staeck’s work underscores the timeless relevance of art as a tool for advocacy and a vehicle for sparking new dialogues. This exhibition not only honors a pivotal figure in art history but also invites us to consider how we, too, can use creativity to effect change in our communities.
Curators(s)
René Grohnert
BioRené Grohnert, born in 1956 in Berlin, is the director of the Deutsches Plakat Museum at Museum Folkwang in Essen. He began his journey into museology in 1981 at the University of Leipzig. His early career included a position at the Museum für Deutsche Geschichte in Berlin, where he was mentored by Hellmut Rademacher, who introduced him to the intricacies of poster art. Grohnert later pursued a degree in art history while focusing on posters. He co-founded PlakatKonzepte in Hannover with Jörg Weigelt and published the Plakat-Journal until 1998. Since 2005, he has been at the helm of the Deutsches Plakat Museum, continuing to champion the significance of posters in art and culture.
