Brigitte Zieger's 'What if … ?' at Kunstverein Mannheim Explores Utopian Resistance
At Kunstverein Mannheim, Brigitte Zieger's solo show 'What if … ?' delves into the transformation of utopian concepts. The exhibit showcases photographic sculptures representing anonymous individuals, such as The Unknown Protester from 1989 and a participant from Occupy Wall Street. Zieger manipulates press photographs to emphasize peaceful resistance against various regimes. The monochromatic sculptures retain the outlines of the original images, while a local graffiti artist infuses them with vibrant colors reminiscent of the psychedelic movement. In the 'Counter Memories' series, prints reinterpret celebrated historical figures by featuring images of dancing women. Additionally, the video 'Bewildered' presents landscape sketches by Johann Moritz Rugendas devoid of human presence, prompting reflections on the feasibility of non-violent utopias.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'What if … ?' by Brigitte Zieger at Kunstverein Mannheim
- Installation features photographic sculptures of anonymous protesters
- Figures include The Unknown Protester (1989 Tiananmen Square), a May 1968 Paris protester, and an Occupy Wall Street activist
- Sculptures are monochrome and incomplete, respecting original image contours
- A Mannheim graffiti artist added color swatches to the walls
- Upstairs series 'Counter Memories' uses prints with ancient hero sculptures injected with dancing women
- Video 'Bewildered' shows Rugendas landscapes with human figures removed, leaving protest signs
- The exhibition questions the memory and legacy of non-violent resistance utopias
Entities
Artists
- Brigitte Zieger
- Johann Moritz Rugendas
Institutions
- Kunstverein Mannheim
Locations
- Mannheim
- Germany
- Paris
- France
- China
Sources
- artpress —