On May 12, 2023, the German city of Pforzheim unearthed a World War II bomb during urban construction, prompting evacuations. This incident underscores a troubling resurgence of nationalist sentiments in Germany, as seen in recent youth rallies chanting Nazi slogans. In this context, the exhibition "Antifascism: Now" at Lothringer 13 Kunsthalle in Munich examines the historical and contemporary implications of antifascist movements.
Art Exhibition Highlights Antifascist Struggles
"Antifascism: Now" features works that pay tribute to both historical and current acts of resistance. One significant piece is Ismet Mujezinovic's painting Charge (1947), which portrays partisans overcoming Nazi aggressors. The exhibition also showcases an installation by Jonas Höschl, documenting two decades of right-wing attacks against journalists in Germany.
The exhibition further explores the use of modern technology in documenting violence, as seen in Forensic Architecture's reconstruction of the assassination of anti-fascist rapper Pavlos Fyssas by the Greek far-right organization Golden Dawn. This work played a pivotal role in the legal action against Golden Dawn.
Intersectionality and Modern Challenges
The exhibition emphasizes the intersectionality of antifascism, addressing various forms of oppression. For instance, Igor Grubić's East Side Story (2006–08) juxtaposes footage from Gay Pride parades with themes of resistance against fascism. Additionally, the artist group Error 417 Expectation Failed presents 13 Scores against Technofascism (2026), offering strategies to reclaim public spaces from surveillance technologies.
