Art Activism

Banned Books Find a New Home in Germany’s Parthenon

In the heart of Kassel, Germany, a remarkable monument to intellectual freedom is taking shape: the Parthenon of Books. This ambitious art installation, conceived by Argentine conceptual artist Marta Minujín, will be constructed entirely out of banned books.

A Symbol of Resistance

The Parthenon of Books is a powerful symbol of resistance against censorship and oppression. It draws inspiration from the ancient Parthenon in Athens, a temple that stood as a beacon of democracy and beauty. By recreating this iconic structure out of banned books, Minujín aims to highlight the enduring power of the written word and the importance of protecting freedom of expression.

A Call for Donations

Minujín is calling on the public to donate as many as 100,000 currently or once-banned books for the installation. The books will be carefully selected by professors and university students to represent a wide range of banned literature, from classic works like Erich Maria Remarque’s “All Quiet on the Western Front” to contemporary novels like David Levithan’s “Two Boys Kissing.”

A Monument to Intellectual Freedom

The Parthenon of Books will be erected in Friedrichsplatz Park, the site of a notorious book burning by Nazi party members in 1933. This act of censorship targeted books that were deemed “un-German” or contained anti-nationalist, Jewish, or “decadent” ideas.

Minujín’s installation serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of censorship and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. It celebrates the power of books to challenge authority, inspire critical thinking, and foster a more just and equitable society.

A Collaborative Effort

Minujín is working closely with the American Library Association (ALA) and other organizations to gather donations for the Parthenon of Books. The ALA, which sponsors Banned Books Week, has already donated several challenged books to the project.

The installation is also part of documenta 14, a major art event that takes place concurrently in Athens and Kassel. This collaboration highlights the global nature of the struggle for intellectual freedom and the importance of international solidarity in defending freedom of expression.

A Lasting Legacy

The Parthenon of Books will be on display for 100 days starting on June 10, 2017. After that, the books will be distributed to libraries and other cultural institutions around the world. Minujín hopes that the installation will spark conversations about censorship, intellectual freedom, and the role of art in promoting social change.

The Parthenon of Books is a powerful reminder that the fight for freedom of expression is an ongoing one. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of the written word.

Tania Bruguera’s Forced Empathy Exhibition at Tate Modern

Tania Bruguera’s Exploration of Empathy and Migration

Tania Bruguera’s latest exhibition at Tate Modern, London, confronts visitors with a profound exploration of empathy and the global refugee crisis. Entitled “11,643,514,” the exhibition’s title represents the staggering number of migrants and asylum seekers displaced worldwide last year, combined with the tragic count of migrant deaths this year.

The “Forced Empathy” Room

At the heart of the exhibition lies an immersive room infused with an organic compound designed to trigger involuntary crying. Visitors’ hands are stamped with the updated exhibition title upon entering, inviting them to physically and emotionally engage with the overwhelming statistics of human displacement.

This “forced empathy” experiment challenges the facile expressions of sympathy and virtue-signaling that often dominate online responses to humanitarian crises. Bruguera aims to provoke a visceral and transformative experience that transcends passive consumption of news and social media content.

The Impact of Migration and Refugee Crises

Bruguera’s exhibition deftly interweaves personal narratives with larger geopolitical forces. Through interactive installations and thought-provoking artworks, visitors are confronted with the risks and challenges faced by migrants and refugees.

One particularly evocative piece, titled “1227 Kilometers (Havana-Guantánamo),” consists of a seemingly endless stretch of barbed wire, evoking the physical and psychological barriers that separate people from their homes and loved ones.

The Role of Art in Activism

Tania Bruguera is renowned for her commitment to “arte útil,” or useful art, which fuses artistic expression with social and political activism. She believes that art has the power to amplify marginalized voices, challenge oppressive structures, and inspire collective action.

In her 2009 performance piece “Tatlin’s Whisper #5,” Bruguera created a platform for uncensored speech in Havana, Cuba, giving voice to citizens who were silenced by government censorship.

Blurring the Lines Between Art and Activism

Bruguera’s work consistently blurs the boundaries between art and activism. By employing performance, installation, and other unconventional techniques, she creates immersive experiences that both provoke emotional responses and stimulate intellectual engagement.

In her latest exhibition at Tate Modern, Bruguera challenges the traditional role of museums as passive repositories of art. By renaming a building after a local refugee advocate, she underscores the museum’s potential to become a platform for social change and community empowerment.

Tania Bruguera’s Enduring Legacy

As a pioneering artist and activist, Tania Bruguera continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art. Her work boldly confronts pressing social and political issues, using empathy, activism, and artistic innovation to provoke dialogue, challenge complacency, and inspire positive change.

The Parthenon of Banned Books: A Monument to Intellectual Freedom in Germany