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.