Artworld's Courage Deficit Amid Pandemic and Social Unrest

In Berlin's Kreuzberg district, the author explored a gallery exhibition, viewing the artwork as a refuge from the city's pandemic-induced changes. The exhibition initially launched before the lockdown, experienced a lengthy closure, and then reopened with staff ensuring adherence to mask regulations. This situation sparked thoughts on how artists respond to crises, drawing parallels to the art of the 1980s and 90s that tackled the AIDS epidemic, featuring creators like General Idea, Keith Haring, and David Wojnarowicz. While there are similarities in governmental shortcomings, the nature of gallery closures differs. Today's art appears cautious, with institutions struggling to match their social media rhetoric to their actions. Critics face compromises, and the representation of gender and race within the system remains inadequate. The scarcity of boldness in art raises inquiries about what constitutes courageous artistic expression.