Hatred has gathered a shockingly large following in Germany. Every day there is another story of fear turning into vandalism and hate crime. The protagonists of the rightwing movement Pegida, believe in a world defined by a singular Western culture — even at the expense of the lives of those attempting to flee from war and oppression in their home countries.
Radicalisation in its numerous guises is not just planting its seeds; it’s already spreading rapidly across our country. The art world, as it tends to do in times of trouble, is reacting in different ways, attempting to grapple with this political and cultural context in which it has to exist. Berlin-based French artist Camille de Toledo is currently working on an installation to explore the current status of Europe — a forest of leaves, twigs, branches and tree trunks intertwining, birds chirping. In the midst of all this, neon signs flash “dystopia” and “espoir” (French for “hope”), on the walls. Europe divided by hope and hopelessness — our so-called paradise in the process of losing its identity by building new political borders. We spoke to Camille and other artists about why they are compelled to explore this increasingly difficult and complex situation. Berlin-based artist and filmmaker Kevin Kopacka and Egyptian-born feminist and activist Sarah Gaad tell us what it feels like to be confronted by steadily more strict borders, to be denied entry and to suffer from hatred through their visual art.
Working on the more provocative side of things, Vienna-born artist Lukas Pusch parodies islamophobia through works such as Burkamadonna mit Jesuskind, and he designs posters to advertise his magazine Der Antist. Then there’s anonymous street-artist Dies Irae, who follows neo-Nazis throughout Germany — where they go, she goes, where they gather for protests, she trades the city’s H&M ads for posters against rightwing propaganda.
Camille de Toledo
How do you feel about Germany’s current political situation?
I can’t say I’m surprised. Europe never fully succeeded — not even after WW2 —in freeing itself from the model of being a national-state. I’ve seen it in France, Austria and Hungary. Now it has arrived here in Germany.
What does your work stand for?
I like to look at it as a never dying pursuit of rewriting history.
How does your work help to make a difference?
It doesn’t. Unless my ideas were seen by a very, very large number of people. That’s kind of what we’re all hoping for, isn’t it?
Anything else you’d like to say?
I really hope that we humans finally evolve, get away from being these savage idiots.
Lukas Pusch
How do you feel about Germany’s current political situation?
The steadily growing political stupefaction seems to be unstoppable. Unfortunately, this is not only the case in Germany, but in many other established European nations. Political parties have seemingly lost their ideas and creativity. This deficit is what makes right-wing parties so strong and dangerous.
What does your work stand for?
Pure l’art pour l’art.
How does your work help to make a difference?
I’m not a political artist. As an artist I create images, no more, no less. Art cannot save or change the world. It may only save or change the people living in it.
Anything else you’d like to say?
Defend yourselves against the Lügenpresse! (German “word of the year” describing, manipulative media, mainly used by opponents of the current political system.)
Kevin Kopacka and Sarah Gaad
How do you feel about Germany’s current political situation?
The hatred does not only come from rightwing groups. Anywhere you go you overhear it, whether it be from your own group of friends, strangers on the train or disturbing comments online. All it is, is prejudice. A refugee will not stay a refugee. It’s not a character-trait that defines him or her as a person.
What does your work stand for?
It is supposed to raise awareness to the pathetic conditions these poor people are in. Far away from the voices of people blaming them (refugees) for their problems.
How does your work help to make a difference?
The video’s purpose it to make you rethink your stance on the topic. If that can help change anything lies totally in our own hands. But probably things will stay the same for a while.
Anything else you’d like to say?
Mia san ned deppert — Austrian for “We’re not stupid!”
Dies Irae
How do you feel about Germany’s current political situation?
For a long time I didn’t even believe it was necessary to fight against racism. Of course I was aware of the fact that some smaller groups still existed. But I didn’t think they’d pose a threat to anything or anyone. PEGIDA’s rise and popularity showed me I was wrong.
What does your work stand for?
Stand up for yourselves. Occupy public platforms to express what you believe in. It doesn’t belong to H&M or McDonalds. It’s our space and we need to use it. How does your work help to make a difference?
If there were a recipe against racism I would print it on a poster and hang it up all over the place. Unfortunately, I am still searching, trying to find that recipe.
Anything else you’d like to say?
I noticed people taking pictures of my posters. I truly hope they spread the word and actually think about it.
Credits
Text Stefanie Schneider
Imagery courtesy of Camille de Toledo / Lukas Pusch / Kevin Kopacka and Sarah Gaad/ Dies Irae