After the anti-Semitism scandal at Documenta Fifteen, the artistic director of the upcoming edition, Naomi Beckwith, gave first insights into her curatorial work at a public appearance in Kassel. The 49-year-old underlined her respect for human dignity and for mutual respect. She is open to debates and discussions, “but I will not tolerate physical, verbal or symbolic violence against other,” she emphasized in front of around 700 visitors at a public event. The next documenta is planned in 2027.
“One of the most exciting challenges”
Beckwith is the deputy director and chief curator of the New York Guggenheim Museum. Riding the documenta is “one of the most exciting challenges I can imagine,” she said after her appearance. Their cooperation with artists is characterized by “deep mutual respect and attitude of sharing, and we consider our different identities as a strength and not as a reason for division”.
She also gave small insights into her life and offered a tight foray through her curatorial work. “I had no choice in this matter, but I feel very happy to be born in Chicago.” There her family was part of the big black community. The city was shaped by the multicultural society and the interdisciplinary art scene. Beckwith wants to move to Kassel this summer. “I'm really looking forward to living here.”
“Naomi Beckwith impresses: With her vita, her intellectual sharpness, her clarity in the takeover of curatorial responsibility and her knowledge of the importance of documenta – both for Kassel and for the world,” said Hesse's Minister of Culture Timon Gremmels (SPD), who could not be there personally in Kassel.
Anti-Semitism scandal at last documenta
The 49-year-old succeeds the Indonesian artist collective Ruangrupa, which curated the controversial Documenta Fifteen in 2022. The show was overshadowed by massive international anti-Semitism discussions. Even before the start, voices had become loud that the Ruangrupa and some invited artists accused an proximity to the anti-Israeli boycott movement BDS. Shortly after the opening, a work with anti -Semitic visual language was discovered and suspended. Later, further works triggered sharp criticism and demands for a demolition.
Now it is looked forward: “Documenta 16 will be outstanding. “The artistic management stands for the connection of clear curatorial forms with complex topics.”
Beckwith also spoke of the various current crises and challenges. At the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, the global state may be called a constant state of broken expectations. And the managing director of Documenta, Andreas Hoffmann, emphasized: “In the current situation, multiple crises and wars, the more difficult communication and the superpowers, which are focused on confrontation, is a valuable field of experiment, utopia and reflection.”
In addition to the Biennale in Venice, the documenta is the most important exhibition for contemporary art. The 16th edition is scheduled to take place from June 12 to September 19, 2027.
