The Documenta Fifteen

presents itself this year as a global social sculpture. In the spirit of Joseph Beuys, a wide variety of artistic social pedagogical concepts are presented here, by artist groups from all over the world. The many polarising discussions show that it seems to be still a long way to go, towards real democratic thinking and acting.

Different world views and experiences have collided with each other and have provoked diverse debates. As so often, the opportunity to approach and listen to each other has not yet been sufficiently recognised. However, this can still happen as we come to terms with what has happened. I would like to give a simple comparison here. The paradise of the giraffe is not that of the bird. Nevertheless, both are wonderful animals and both can be considered equal. The bird needs not to be better than the giraffe and vice versa. In this sense I hope that this documenta has enriched the discussions and that we as humans finally learn that polarisation will not bring us further in being human, but listening and approaching each other does.

So I hope that in the future new ways will be found to continue and present the diversity of the world and the art world, as well as the values for which they stand. It is good that a non-hierarchical concept has been realised here, but it has also led to many misunderstandings. If we learn from this, similar concepts can be better elaborated and presented by adding a very background and mediating curatorial concept, dedicated to the original word kurare (to care, to be cared for, to take care, to take the trouble). The curatorial principle could be executed as a kind of merging and approaching of different ideas with a lot of sensitivity. In doing so, it should not be abused as a selective process in a one-sided way. It can help to research the background carefully and to act with attentiveness.

convergence of different ideas with a lot of sensitivity. In doing so, it should not be abused as a selective process in a one-sided way.