Documenta 14's Kassel Chapter Confronts Political Urgency with Monumental Works

The second segment of Documenta 14 commenced in Kassel, extending the politically charged discussions initiated in Athens. Public artworks tackle issues like the threats to democracy, neoliberal globalization, and the refugee situation. Marta Minujín's Parthenon of Books (1983/2017) encourages contributions of banned literature. At the Fridericianum, Banu Cennetoğlu's installation presents the phrase 'Being safe is scary.' Ibrahim Mahama's Check Point Sekondi Loco. 1901–2030. (2016–2017) critiques international trade networks. Olu Oguibe's Das Fremdlinge und Flüchtlinge Monument (2017) draws on biblical references concerning refugees. Curator Adam Szymczyk collaborated with the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Athens to showcase its collection, including works by Jannis Kounellis. Maria Eichhorn's Rose Valland Institut (2017) reflects on Germany's National-Socialist past. The review was published online on 13 June 2017.