Ewa Partum on Berlin's 1980s Art Scene, Feminist Conceptualism, and Eastern European Identity

In a 2016 conversation, Ewa Partum, a Polish conceptual artist, reflects on her relocation to Berlin following the imposition of martial law in Poland in 1981, prompted by Fluxus artist Wolf Vostell's invitation. She was taken aback by the prevalence of painting and the Neue Wilde movement in West Berlin. In 1982, her first exhibition in Berlin at the Checkpoint Charlie Museum showcased her performance "Hommage à Solidarno??". By 1983, she had secured representation with gallery owner Michael Wewerka. Partum comments on the male-centric gallery environment and recounts performances such as "Concert of Hair" and "Stupid Woman," both from 1983. In 1984, she performed "East/West Shadow" nude in front of the Berlin Wall. This interview, led by Sven Spieker, was published by ARTMargins Online on October 30, 2017.