Documenta 15 curatorial offices vandalized with racist graffiti in Kassel amid escalating tensions
On May 28, the curatorial offices of Documenta in Kassel, Germany, were defaced with racist graffiti, including the number '187,' seen as a death threat. This location also served as the workspace for Ruangrupa, the Indonesian collective overseeing Documenta 15. Tensions heightened following accusations from the German Alliance Against Anti-Semitism Kassel, which claimed the group showcased 'anti-Israeli activists.' In response, Documenta initiated public discussions titled 'We need to talk!' to confront issues of artistic freedom amidst increasing antisemitism, racism, and Islamophobia. However, the Central Council of Jews in Germany condemned a May 28 event, resulting in the series' cancellation. Ruangrupa asserted they would 'let [the exhibition] speak for itself,' denying any anti-Semitic remarks.
Key facts
- Racist graffiti was sprayed inside Documenta's curatorial offices in Kassel, Germany on May 28.
- The vandalism included '187', slang for murder from the California Penal Code, interpreted as a death threat.
- The offices also served as accommodation for Ruangrupa, the Indonesian collective directing Documenta 15.
- Tensions escalated after accusations in January by the Alliance Against Anti-Semitism Kassel of featuring 'anti-Israeli activists'.
- Documenta organized 'We need to talk!' conversations, later canceled due to accusations rendering discussion impossible.
- Josef Schuster criticized an event on 'anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian racism' as showing anti-Semitic tendencies.
- The Alliance Against Anti-Semitism released a blog post with screenshots highlighting support for Palestine and BDS.
- Ruangrupa and Documenta artists affirmed unity against all forms of discrimination, denying anti-Semitic statements.
Entities
Artists
- Eyal Weizman
- Hito Steyerl
Institutions
- Documenta
- Ruangrupa
- Alliance Against Anti-Semitism Kassel
- Forensic Architecture
- Central Council of Jews in Germany
- Der Zeit
Locations
- Kassel
- Germany
- Jakarta
- Indonesia
- California