Despite the aesthetic similarities between non-conformist art in the GDR and Western neo-avant-gardes, the different biographical and ideological backgrounds lead to different expressions of avant-garde art forms in reunified Germany.
In the course of unification, West German viewpoints still shape the way art from the GDR is perceived in the context of the upheaval of the “Wende”. Can art help promote a common understanding of history in Germany during the integration process? Certainly, especially when the actors of this historical change have their say and the understanding of the common origin of artistic ideas grows.
The contemporary witnesses and experts share their personal experiences and the current state of research while together they try to reflect on memories against the background of current discussions on East German identity.
Do the arguments put forward today match the perceptions at the time? Does their interpretation adequately influence society's view of the events of that time? Is the handling of the non-conformist art of the GDR particularly problematic in art historiography?
The panel consists of Gunar Barthel (gallery owner, Berlin), Dr. Steffen Damm (media scientist, FU Berlin), Else Gabriel (artist, professor at the Berlin Weißensee School of Art) and Dr. Anja Tack (ZZF, Potsdam).
The moderation will be by Dr. Philipp John (museum FLUXUS+, Potsdam).
(Program in German)