Dresden Art School Student Council Condemns Vandalism, Criticizes Leadership Over Holger John Exhibition

The student council (Stura) at the Dresden University of Fine Arts (HfBK) has denounced the vandalism targeting artist Holger John's exhibition, which is set to conclude on Sunday. They also criticized the university's administration for its lack of transparency. The exhibition has encountered disruptions and damage, leading the administration to lodge a criminal complaint. According to the Stura, these protests reflect a broader mistrust in leadership, rather than being solely directed at John or his association with Till Lindemann of Rammstein, who faced sexual assault allegations that were dismissed in August 2023. Rector Oliver Kossack approved the exhibition without student input. The Stura highlighted allegations of John's 'sexist and boundary-crossing' conduct, which he refutes, while calling for more transparent and democratic processes.