The project was initiated by five students of the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf on the occasion of its 250th anniversary. 

 

The research work of the five students represents an examination of gender-specific power structures within the renowned institution. It is well known that the systematic discrimination and exclusion of non-male people is not only a problem in art. But there is a particular area of tension in art and in the Kunstakademie: wasn't the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf long regarded as a factory of artistic progress? How can discrimination and sexualized violence be reconciled with a seemingly progressive environment? 

The five students discussed these and many other questions with almost 30 interview partners. The resulting material was processed into a feature-length film that already exceeded the audience capacity of the Künstler*innenverein Malkasten at its first screening, attracted attention beyond the region and represents a broadening of perspective for current debates on the abuse of power in the cultural sector. 

 

In addition, the five students organized an intergenerational performance evening at the Künstler*innenverein Malkasten and realized a sound installation in the church of St. Andrew not far from the academy. 

The sound installation focused on the tensions between misogynistic ancient and biblical archetypes as well as questions about contemporary feminism. 

 

The exhibition at the STUDIO FOR ARTISTIC RESEARCH is a group exhibition of the students and a selection of interview partners who are part of the film and the research that goes beyond it.