Christoph Schlingensief, the German artist known for his provocative works, is the subject of a new Berlin exhibition that revisits his controversial legacy. The show, titled It’s Not My Problem Anymore, Deal With Your Own Shit, at the Gropius Bau, features remnants of his infamous play Kaprow City, which depicted Queen Elizabeth II performing a Nazi salute.
Schlingensief's Provocative Art
Schlingensief certainly knew how to provoke. When Kaprow City premiered at Berlin's Volksbühne theatre in 2006, it sparked outrage. The play, inspired by US performance artist Allan Kaprow, focused on the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. In one scene, the Queen performs a Hitler salute; another re-enacts the paparazzi chase that led to Diana's fatal crash. Diana appears in bed beside two men with Down's syndrome, and Camilla is pelted with animal blood.
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Schlingensief insisted the work was not meant as provocation but as an investigation into how Diana became a modern icon. However, his art thrived on outrage, exposing the absurdity of societies that glorify their idols while consuming their lives as entertainment.
The Exhibition: A Glimpse into His Mind
The new Berlin show places Kaprow City at its heart. In the Gropius Bau's grand neo-Renaissance atrium, visitors encounter remnants of the carousel-like rotating stage he called the "animatograph". Looking at this installation today feels like a glimpse into Schlingensief's mind: a messy collage of childhood memories, violent fantasies, and royal glamour.
The Gropius Bau installed roughly half of Schlingensief's original set on the very same spot where Joseph Beuys, a major influence, once exhibited. This juxtaposition highlights Schlingensief's place in the lineage of provocative German artists.
Key Takeaways from the Exhibition
- Schlingensief's work challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about celebrity culture and media consumption.
- The exhibition includes rarely seen set pieces and archival materials from Kaprow City.
- It contextualizes Schlingensief's art within broader movements of performance and provocation.
- Visitors gain insight into his creative process and thematic concerns.
Comparing Schlingensief's Provocations
Schlingensief's work often targeted public figures and institutions. Below is a comparison of some of his most controversial projects.
| Project | Year | Provocative Element |
|---|---|---|
| Kaprow City | 2006 | Queen Elizabeth II performing Nazi salute |
| Please Love Austria | 2000 | Public vote on asylum seekers' fate |
| Church of Fear | 2003 | Critique of organized religion |
These works demonstrate Schlingensief's consistent focus on the intersection of politics, media, and spectacle.
FAQ
What is the Berlin exhibition about?
The exhibition revisits Christoph Schlingensief's legacy, featuring his controversial play Kaprow City and other works that challenge societal norms.
Why did Schlingensief depict the Queen as a Nazi?
Schlingensief intended it as an investigation into how Diana became a modern icon, not as mere provocation. He aimed to expose the absurdity of celebrity worship.
Where is the exhibition taking place?
The exhibition is at the Gropius Bau in Berlin, running until [date].
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