Nan Goldin's Berlin Speech Sparks Debate on Artist's Political Role
At the opening of her exhibition 'This Will Not End Well' at the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin on November 22, 2024, Nan Goldin criticized Israel's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, comparing them to the pogroms her grandparents fled in Russia. She was unhappy about the museum's plan for a symposium called 'Art and Activism in Times of Polarization' that occurred without her approval, feeling it undermined her message. After her comments, artists Hito Steyerl, Candice Breitz, and Eyal Weizman withdrew from the event. Goldin has long believed that art and activism go hand in hand. She highlighted the alarming death toll in Gaza, which stands at 44,363, mostly affecting women and children. Christian Caliandro emphasizes the need for artists to advocate for critical issues.
Key facts
- Nan Goldin spoke at the opening of 'This Will Not End Well' at Neue Nationalgalerie Berlin on November 22, 2024.
- Goldin denounced Israel's military operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
- She compared the situation to the pogroms her grandparents fled in Russia.
- The museum organized a symposium without her knowledge; three participants withdrew.
- Goldin stated her art and activism are inseparable since the 1980s.
- Candice Breitz resigned from HBK Braunschweig in July 2024 over similar issues.
- Goldin invoked 'never again' as a universal principle.
- Reported Gaza casualties: 44,363 dead, 105,070 wounded, 70% women and children.
Entities
Artists
- Nan Goldin
- Hito Steyerl
- Candice Breitz
- Eyal Weizman
- Christian Caliandro
Institutions
- Neue Nationalgalerie
- HBK Braunschweig
- Artribune
- ICC
- UN
- Symbola Fondazione per le Qualità italiane
- Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze
Locations
- Berlin
- Germany
- Gaza
- Lebanon
- Russia
- Braunschweig