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Documenta in pictures

A visit to the largest exhibition of contemporary art in Germany: pictures from Documenta 15 in Kassel

Lauralie Schweiger , 29.07.2022
The communal lumbung concept is put into practice here:
The communal lumbung concept is put into practice here: at the Fridericianum visitors are given the opportunity to record their visit by copying their hands or reproducing paintings on a chalk floor. © lumbung – ein Werk der indonesischen Gruppe ruangrupa

Well, the simple answer is that it’s Documenta time again in Kassel. Also described as the “Museum of 100 Days”, the world art show that is held every five years again has the small city in Hessen firmly in its grip. This time, however, Documenta 15 is somewhat different. The world’s most important exhibition of contemporary art is being curated by an art collective for the first time since 1955. Ruangrupa (loosely translated: “art space” or “space form”) is the name of a group that was founded 22 years ago in Jakarta, Indonesia, and represents the Global South. And it has brought its very own ideas about art to Kassel.

“Lumbung” is the artistic practice of the ruangrupa collective that curated Documenta 15.
“Lumbung” is the artistic practice of the ruangrupa collective that curated Documenta 15. The word translates as “rice barn”. In Indonesia surplus crops are stored in these barns and used communally. This banner shows how this concept can be applied to art. © lumbung – ein Werk der indonesischen Gruppe ruangrupa
The communal lumbung concept is put into practice here:
The communal lumbung concept is put into practice here: at the Fridericianum visitors are given the opportunity to record their visit by copying their hands or reproducing paintings on a chalk floor. © lumbung – ein Werk der indonesischen Gruppe ruangrupa
The Britto Arts Trust from Bangladesh criticises the commercialisation of the food market with ceramic food.
The Britto Arts Trust from Bangladesh criticises the commercialisation of the food market with ceramic food. The artists want to focus attention on where our food comes from and the natural resources that can be found beyond the agro-industrial monopolies. © lumbung – ein Werk der indonesischen Gruppe ruangrupa
Immediately behind the Documenta Hall you will find PAKGHOR – the Social Kitchen by the Britto Arts Trust.
Immediately behind the Documenta Hall you will find PAKGHOR – the Social Kitchen by the Britto Arts Trust. The collective arises out of culinary exchange: food is cultivated in the vegetable garden and then cooked in a group. People who register are allowed to cook one dish. At the end of the 100 days of the Documenta, 100 recipes will be collected in an e-book. © lumbung – ein Werk der indonesischen Gruppe ruangrupa
This is a work by Project Art Works that focuses on neurodiversity and representation. In addition to the exhibition in the Fridericianum there is a film that shows the art process.
This is a work by Project Art Works that focuses on neurodiversity and representation. In addition to the exhibition in the Fridericianum there is a film that shows the art process. © lumbung – ein Werk der indonesischen Gruppe ruangrupa
Tania Bruguera aims to show how artists who are subject to censorship and surveillance feel.
Tania Bruguera aims to show how artists who are subject to censorship and surveillance feel. “Documenta is the perfect place to present these censored and forgotten artists so that people can finally see and appreciate their art,” says the Cuban artist about her installation. © lumbung – ein Werk der indonesischen Gruppe ruangrupa
Visitors see a “waste dump” in front of the Orangerie.
Visitors see a “waste dump” in front of the Orangerie. The art installation Return to Sender by the Nest Collective from Kenya criticises urbanisation and its consequences – especially vast quantities of waste. They are omnipresent for people in Kenya’s cities. © lumbung – ein Werk der indonesischen Gruppe ruangrupa

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