The Biennale für aktuelle Fotografie, a prominent exhibition showcasing contemporary photography in Germany, faced cancellation following the emergence of social media posts by one of its curators, Bangladeshi photojournalist Shahidul Alam, which were deemed antisemitic by the hosting German cities of Mannheim, Ludwigshafen, and Heidelberg. The controversy centered around Alam's posts that drew comparisons between Israel's actions in Northern Gaza and the Holocaust, and accusations of genocide against Palestinians. This stance led to a breakdown in trust between the cities and Alam.
In response to the situation, the organizers, who were grappling with sensitivities surrounding Germany's historical responsibility towards Israel, engaged in discussions with Alam and his fellow curators, Tanzim Wahab and Munem Wasif. Despite efforts to address the issue, Alam persisted in sharing his views, aligning with his self-identification as an activist advocating for freedom of expression. Wahab and Wasif, showing solidarity with Alam, declined to participate in the biennial if Alam was excluded.
The cancellation has significant implications for the Biennale für aktuelle Fotografie, jeopardizing not only the current event but also its future, especially in light of the withdrawal of sponsorship from the German chemical company BASF earlier in the year. The organizers are now in talks with invited artists, curators, and advisors, seeking solutions to preserve the biennial as a major photography event in Germany and Europe.
This incident coincides with broader challenges in the German art scene, as evidenced by the mass resignation of the selection committee of Documenta, another major art event. The resignations, initiated by Israeli artist and philosopher Bracha L. Ettinger and Indian poet and critic Ranjit Hoskote, were followed by the rest of the committee members, citing a constrained environment in Germany for open discourse and the development of nuanced artistic expressions. This series of events highlights the complex interplay of artistic freedom, historical responsibilities, and contemporary political sensitivities in the world of art.
Selena Mattei