Hito Steyerl withdraws works from documenta 15 over antisemitism handling

German artist Hito Steyerl has requested the removal of her works from documenta 15, citing a lack of trust in the organization's ability to mediate complexities and foster inclusive debate. The controversy stems from accusations of antisemitism by the German Jewish Council, which claimed the exhibition invited anti-Israeli activist artists. Steyerl's withdrawal includes a new video titled 'Animal Spirits' and an AI-animated cave painting installation. Additionally, Meron Mendel, director of the Anne Frank Educational Institute, resigned as a consultant for documenta 15, criticizing the lack of honest debate on antisemitism and the rejection of his proposal to convene an expert panel. The tipping point was an antisemitic work by the collective Taring Padi, which was later removed. Steyerl also cited unsafe and underpaid working conditions for some staff. documenta had organized talks on antisemitism but later canceled them. The Indonesian collective ruangrupa, curating this edition, responded to Mendel's claims during a German Parliament hearing, stating that both Jewish and Israeli artists were included in the final list.