On the Eve of Revolution: The East German Artist in the 1980s

Exploring the art world of the German Democratic Republic during its last decade

Mind map sketch of the artists’ magazine "USW." with arrows to connect content ideas --poetry, photography and more, to the magazine’s goals--innovative artistic collaborations, written in German

Concept diagram of the artists’ magazine USW. Und So Weiter (“and so on”), Dresden, 1986, by Micha Brendel, Else Gabriel, and Rainer Görß. Gelatin silver print (original: gouache on packing paper), 11.6 x 15.3 in. In Schaden 11.1 (June 1986). Getty Research Institute (90-S419). Photo © Micha Brendel and Auto-Perforations-Artistik Archiv

About

Goal

This project investigates the cultural politics and artistic output of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) during the 1980s and asks whether we can analyze GDR art independently of the state’s regime. By examining the country’s 1982 national exhibition alongside its alternative art scene, the research aims to uncover discrepancies and connections between official and unofficial art practices in the GDR, challenging the narrative of East German art as purely propagandistic.

Background

In 1982, East Germany held the 9th quadrennial national exhibition in Dresden. It showcased the accomplishments of 1,400 students and faculty from art academies across the country. That same year, emerging young artists defiantly launched independent poetry magazines in Berlin and in Dresden. These innovative editorial projects inspired the new generation to distribute their works through artists’ books, magazines, and other alternative channels, building collaborative cross-media networks in the years leading up to the peaceful revolution of 1989.

Archives

  1. Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR) Collections

    Comprises 52 series of papers of artists, art historians, and curators who were directly involved in the East German art scene

    Illustration of city skyline against a blue sky with colorful cross section of multi-level building. Above images reads "PALAST DER REPUBLIK"

  2. Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR) samizdat Artists' Books and Magazines

    Over 150 artists’ books and magazines self-published by the youngest generation of East German artists during the regime’s last decade

    Page from book featuring text in German above a black and white image of a hand with two fingers raised in a peace sign in front of white circle

Resources

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