In cooperation with Winter Stiftung and Artforum Culture Foundation, the project Reconciliation of Values has started under the artistic direction of Heinz Zolper. In a time of disputes and fake news, the project would like to offer a culture platform for social interaction in love and respect. The project Reconciliation of values wants to address consciously emotions and to stimulate thoughts. The project is about recognizing what are the connections between different ways of thinking and cultures - to encourage new and better social behaviour. Artists, private individuals, decision-makers from society, politics and business - they are all invited to get involved and become part of the project. Therefore the project thrives on the diversity of participation. It is precisely the diversity of people and, especially, other projects that feel committed to these goals can contribute to the reconciliation of values.
(c) Zolper. Vesöhnung der Werte (Reconciliation of Values), Liebe. ArtForum Editions
We are convinced that a greater openness to foreign ideas can open mind and soul to an understanding of other values. We are confident that a mutual effort to show spiritual, moral and material appreciation will help to resolve confrontations. Reconciliation of values can only become a reality by being accommodating. The inviolability of human dignity, mindfulness and respect - these are the parameters and the irrevocable rules that can create and secure a balance in society.
(c) Zolper. Vesöhnung der Werte (Reconciliation of Values), edition box. Artforum Editions
An edition box by Heinz Zolper with 12 graphics has been published by ArtForum Editions. The results will initially support the non-profit project. The subscription price for Edition B is 1,800 EUR. Price from 01.02.2021: 1.980 EUR.
If you like to work for a more livable society and to support the basic goals of the project: Please, purchase the edition or donate directly to our donation account. We are happy to welcome you.
(c) Peter Jacobi - retrospective exhibition MNAC, Bucharest 2020/2021
A solo exhibition is dedicated to Prof. Peter Jacobi, sculptor and conceptual photo artist, at MNAC Bucharest. At the end of his world career, the retrospective exhibition, which also contains new sculptures and photographic works, represents a renewed appreciation of one of the most important Romanian-German artists of our time. His famous memorial for the victims of the Holocaust in Romania in Bucharest (2009) commemorates the victims of the fascist Romanian regime under Ion Antonescu.
(c) Peter Jacobi - in front of two of his column drafts
The exhibition is given ample space on the third floor of the former presidential palace, the largest building in the world. There is ample space for visitors on the huge areas, which is very important in times of Corona. Due to the pandemic, the number of visitors is likely to be smaller, but the Museum of Modern Contemporary Art (MNAC) has planned to present individual works or groups of works on the museum's website or on Facebook.
(c) Peter Jacobi - One man show MNAC Bucharest. Exhibition-Design Atilla Kim. Winter Stiftung -1
Peter Jacobi (* 1935) has created an impressive and multifaceted work in over 60 years that addresses fundamental questions of time, transience and memory in sculptures and photographic works. His works can be found in museums and public institutions in many countries. You can also find more information about Peter Jacobi on our partner site: Global Galleries.
PETER JACOBI MUZEUL NATIONAL DE ARTA CONTEMPORANA, MNAC Bucharest, Romania December 11, 2020 - March 28, 2021
AIDS, Corona and other pandemics can only be defeated together- or never.
More than 12 million people worldwide are still and again and again without possible medical HIV treatment. This hits people hard, particularly in poor countries, the so-called Third World. Corona exacerbates the inadequate supply. It is a sad realization that due to the corona pandemic, the number of almost 700,000 deaths from last year will increase by over than 100,000. But even if the evil is known and described, however, we are not a bit closer to a solution. If we really want more protection for ourselves, we need protection for all people. This is not only a requirement of humanity, but also a law of reason. In a global world there is no isolation, which is why it is all the more important: Everything you do for others will helps you too.
Setting a sign for love and respect. (c) Heinz Zolper, lady as a symbol. Multiple I jewelry pin. ArtForum Editions
(c) Zolper - Lady with Aids. ArtForum Editions. Global Galleries
There is no other sensible way: Only an ongoing socio-political imperative to contain pandemics of all kinds with all necessary measures can solve the problem. Just as AIDS is indirectly affected by Corona, other co-factors such as the increase in domestic and sexual violence, poor hygiene standards and poor education must also be combated . If one thing has become clear through the fight against corona: financial means are available to help those affected. What is needed, however, is also the recognition of social networking, the political will to implement the aid - and solidarity between all of us. Because World AIDS Day is not just today. AIDS Day is every day until this epidemic is contained.
Heinz Zolper is a German artist who has been campaigning for women and gender rights for decades, fundamentally for human rights through the means of art. The European Artforum Culture Foundation accompanies and supports the artist in his project in cooperation with Winter Foundation Hamburg and other foundations or groups. Respect and human dignity are inalienable values that the society - and therefore every single person - must defend. That's the reason why a particular concern of the artist is to sensitize and win over the public for the necessity of such engagement.
(c) Heinz Zolper, Lady a a symbol, enamel iron jewellery pin. ArtForum Editions
An important project that demands the support of many people, especially of municipalities, states and the federal government, is dedicated to the creation and installation of lively memorials in social spaces. A striking sign for that is the stylized portrait of a lady (Zolper call her "Dame"), which is part of the artist's iconography in painting, repeatedly varied with different attributes. At the same time, Zolper transferred this symbol to other disciplines such as graphics or sculpture. Andy Warhol, who had admired Zolper - and vice versa - had already valued the importance of the lady symbol as a trademark of socio-political positioning. Now, in collaboration with ArtForum Editions, the artist has designed a multiple that can be worn as a jewelry pin. The multiple is handmade from enamel on iron, height 5 cm, signed by the artist on the reverse. The "lady as a symbol" is not only a work of art and a wonderful piece of jewelry, but it enables its wearer to take a position for mutual respect, for the need for emancipation and gender justice, for social commitment and an indefatigable commitment to human rights - all of them fragile values that need to be strengthened.
The multiple can be ordered directly online at a subscription price of 50 euros I 60 USD per object from H.Z@lper.de or by mail to info(at)artforum-culture-foundation.org or to winterstiftung(at)web.de. Proceeds flow into the non-profit project for memorials in public spaces. If you would like to support the project in addition, please transfer your donation under the keyword "human dignity" to our foundation account. Your donations are tax deductible.
PM I see also: Jürgen Raap, in: Kunstforum International, Lady's symbol as a jewelry pin, 11/11/2020
(c) NOT FULLY HUMAN, NOT HUMAN AT ALL, Kunstverein in Hamburg
Kunstverein in Hamburg presents the artists project: Not fully human, not human at all.
Not Fully Human, Not Human at All takes its name from Donna Haraway’s essay “Ecce Homo, Ain’t (Ar’n’t) I a Woman, and Inappropriate/d Others”, a text which challenges the “universal” claims of Enlightenment Humanism in order to propose conditions of what she calls “non-generic” collective humanity. The artists in this exhibition set out from similar positions as both Haraway in order to propose new ways of thinking through our collective states of humanity. Participating artists with performances, Vieos, installation and discussions are: Saddie Choua, Valentina Desideri , Denise Ferreira da Silva , Arely Amaut, Nilbar Güreş, Ibro Hasanović, Jelena Jureša, Doruntina Kastrati, Kaltrina Krasniqi, Pedro Neves Marques, Christian Nyampeta, Daniela Ortiz, Monira Al Qadiri, Lala Raščić and Kengné Téguia This new exhibition, symposium and publication focuses on Europe as a geographic and conceptual framework, while reflecting on the dehumanization that characterizes many of the activities that humans have been doing in the name of “humanity” within its borders. It follows up on a three year project initiated by KADIST and curated by Nataša Petrešin-Bachelez that appeared in three different European localities—Kosovo, Portugal, and Belgium—with institutional partners in these contexts. Curators: Nataša Petrešin-Bachelez, Bettina Steinbrügge The exhibition is kindly supported by the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, German Federal Cultural Foundation.
Kunstverein in Hamburg - Klosterwall 23 SOFT OPENING (because of Corona opening extends over the whole day) 23.10.2020, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. Admission free
CURATOR' GUIDED TOUR 29.10. / 12.11. / 3.12. 2020 and 14.1. 2021, 5 p.m. With Bettina Steinbrügge
ONLINE ASSEMBLY With a.o.: Francisco Godoy Vega, Nina Möntmann, Jelena Petrović, Nora Sternfeld, and all project partners and participating artists.
Session I, 3.11.2020, 5 - 7 p.m. Session II, 10.11.2020, 5 - 7 p.m. Session III, 17.11.2020, 5 - 7 p.m. Session IV, 24.11.2020, 5 - 7 p.m.
The online assembly brings together various artists, partners and scientists to discuss the key aspects of the exhibition. Every Tuesday in November live here.
SCREENING 26.11.2020, 14.1.2021, 18.30 Uhr Pedro Neves Marques – A Mordida
Curators: Nataša Petrešin-Bachelez, Bettina Steinbrügge. The exhibition is organized in collaboration with KADIST Art Foundation. The exhibition is kindly supported by the German Federal Cultural Foundation and the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.
The art salon KunstStücke by Dettmer in Cologne presents a virtual exhibition with works by Monika von Eschenbach.
The online exhibition invites to discover the artist's sculptural photo art. Fascinated works like box stop in Monaco, female view on woman bodies, new view on famous cologne cathedral architecture, Berliner Bogen by Teherani or railway station Frankfurt will challenge the way of seeing. The virtual exhibition will also be a appetizer for her exhibition Fata Morgana, which is expected to take place at the beginning of 2021 (depending on Covid-19) - and which will present innovative art positions together with a wonderful work show by the painter Jana Dettmer.
Winter Foundation has been associated with Monika von Eschenbach for years, and the artist herself has also supported the foundation's goals by donating masterpieces of contemporary art. Monika von Eschenbach, b. 1965 in Eschenbach ί. d. Opf., Bavaria, is a German visual artist and architect. As a traveler who explores the world again and again, she has rediscovered her ties to home. This opens up for her new paths in art. After studying architecture, she lived and worked i.a. in San Francisco, Alaska, Basel and at last she settled down in Cologne in 1993. Even while studying architecture, she dealt with free photography and sculptural work. She worked as well as assistant for multimedia artist Michael Jansen, conceptual photo artist Heinz-Günter Mebusch and object maker and photo artist Vera Isler-Leiner.
Meaning and protection of being different and thinking differently
Monika von Eschenbach-invitation by the shark-mixed media-digital photo print
Our world lives from diversity and balance
Where monocultures emerge, they initially use only a few, but destroy our common livelihood. Faults in nature and in social life are made possible by an imbalance of concentrated . If you want to counter abuses or eliminate them, you need to maintain a balance in the game of powers.
Our influence on the balance of power in nature may be small, but we can influence our own life positively or negatively. The world of business and politics is defined by rules and breaches of rules, with the result not only of prospering societies, but also of climate change, wars and migration movements. We can change something, but only if there is a fundamental change in awareness and the relationships that result from it.
Logically these findings also apply to the world of art. Art and the art system do not have a life of their own, but are always as well a mirror of the surrounding nature and society. The boom in the art market, the overemphasis on individual protagonists who threaten to neglect the asset, may shown to art lovers a distorted picture of the art world. If art wants to be able to fulfill its essential social task, artists must finally be perceived and valued as natural, necessary partners within the social fabric. Without art and culture a development of society - and thus also of the economy - is ultimately impossible. Having and wanting to use what is necessary, but still not appreciating it, ultimately reflects a basic problem of all common social systems. As important as it can be sometimes to focus on something, without diversity everything is nothing.
Just as there is a monopolization of the art scene with regard to a few "chosen ones", the perception of art is also shaped by a gender-specific imbalance. The imagination that is required to create something new is primarily attributed to the male gender and secondly to market value. Women, on the other hand, have at most been granted the status of muses or perhaps as sponsors of artists. Women whose work still arrive the eye of the public and who cam live from their work, are still a exception. Also in the case they are gifted by talent, success seems to be often unbelievable.
Art as mirror of soul and society
If you acknowledge that a work of art will be at its best a mirror of the soul, then it should also be noted that art is a mirror of society. Of course, this includes the inner and outer structures. Unfortunately, equality by balance is still terra incognita not only in art administration, but also in the field of artists themselves. If you want equal rights to participate in life, you need increased awareness and, above all, solidarity in the world of lone artists. Shouldn't it be a sign of freedom and reason that each individual can develop and imagine their own view of the world?
Thankfully, there are approaches of social movement and also a few artists who openly represent the conviction of equality as the premise of a social community. For example, Michael Jansen, veteran of the new avant-garde, calls for "destruction of expectations" (see: exhibition at KunstStücke by Dettmer | art projects). He would like to encourage expectations to break out of crusted thinking. His artist friend Heinz Zolper, painter and multimedia actor, as well has been committed to work on the ideas of "love and respect" for decades and even start "Dame - cult" as a project for public spaces. He is pointing to the importance of the female being and is warning of the obligation to protect the other. Both artists recognize the pedagogical need to counter a borderline society and anti-social behavior and to show exemplary ways. The basic essence of a free society is precisely the coexistence of differentiation as well as agreement. In this respect, any preference based on natural or artificial differences is forbidden in an open society.
However, people don't just need art and culture to be human, artists also need unhindered access to the public as a basis of their lifes. The right to artistic development also means the right to connect with the public and to live by working. In this respect, it is an obligation of society as a whole to enable and promote this requirement regardless of gender, age and above all relationships.
* Merten recently edited the following books on ArtForum Editions I KulturPlusMedien (new): - Truths believed. Contribution to the philosophy of photography. Considerations on the work of the conceptual artist and Photographer Heinz-Günter Mebusch, 2020 - KAIN - Principle of the evil. 2019 - Magic of painting / or / What it's like to be yourself. Heinz Zolper monograph
Numerous conspiracy theories also circulate in Corona times. What is behind it?
George DuBose - Biz Markie. ArtForum Editions
Conspiracy theories are a psycho-sociological phenomenon that broadly describes the attempt to explain a state, an event or a development through a conspiracy. It is suspected, that i.e. a targeted, secret work of a mostly small group of people will detriment a few other people or or (parts of) society . They are generally understood by the public in the sense of ideologies that ultimately do not promote a critical debate, but rather hinder it. Numerous conspiracy theories also circulate in the case of the corona virus.
As far as conspiracy theories are based on rational and verifiable statements or questions, one should correctly speak of conspiracy hypotheses. Hypotheses are fundamentally not negative, they require space where knowledge is missing or is not accessible.
Imagine: Corona-virus and its disease Covid-19 as well as conspiracy ideologies threaten humanity. Knowledge, solidarity, respect and love are required like never before.
So, even in times of Corona, numerous questions are still open:
- Why is a long time advised procedure to wear protective masks rejected or made ridiculous instead to declare openly that preventive measures are still missing? - Why free stays in the fresh air (even in the forest, mountains, sea) are prohibited, but inside supermarkets (different from district to district, from city to state), supermarket cashiers and customers are unprotected? - Why are disinfection procedures are done and masks prescribed and worn especially in countries with some experiences with aerosol diseases? But in e.g. Europe there is not even insight into this question yet?
Of course, we cannot give any qualified answers at this point and would even like to expressly warn against conspiracy ideologies. Perhaps, however, our information will help to understand the problem somewhat better and to protect us all.
Truths Invented or Believed?
When it is no longer possible to explain everything with the work of an almighty God, there is a growing tendency to attribute unpleasant phenomena to the dark power of a conspiratorial group - “somebody has to be responsible for it”. This appears to be the only solution out of your own ignorance and responsibility. In this sense, conspiracy theories in the sense of hypotheses are primarily to be understood as symptoms of a crisis in the face of a state of ignorance. The state of ignorance in turn leads to fear. Fears are a natural feeling, so you should take them seriously. They are not sick as such, but they can make you sick if you can't deal with them.
Violence - internally and / or externally - can be a result of fear and thus a logical consequence of conspiracy tendencies: if the threat posed by an overpowered power is to great and if there is still no means due to an ideological self-sealing to refute the fearful idea, then, maybe, every means attainable will be right to defend it.
Fears must therefore always be taken very seriously. A way out of weakness can only provide by knowledge through comprehensive transparency and education. Because knowledge is the best way to find solutions. However, there will be no state of omniscient truth.Knowledge does not mean truth. Any research can only create knowledge, but we can only believe the truth *. Ultimately, truths cannot be suppressed by disciplining what can be said, but only by accessing and accepting as diverse a knowledge as possible.
* Recommended for a fundamental insight into the phenomenon "Believed Truths" is the publication of the same name as a contribution to the philosophy of photography at ArtForum Editions I KulturPlusMedien. Book order online at: winterstiftung (at) web.de. (PM)
Corona, the coronavirus and its disease Covid-19 threaten humanity. Solidarity, respect and love are required like never before.
The virus multiplies in the throat. While an infected person speaks or coughs, he drops droplets almost automatically. These fly about 1.5 to 2 meters (when sneezing even 4 - 5 meters) before it will fall slowly to the ground. The infection usually arises from inhalation of such droplets and the aerosol of the evaporation.
If you are concerned that you have already become infected through contact with an infected person, for example, you should contact the responsible health department by phone, email or whats app. The experts will advise you which measures have to be taken. To see actual dayly statistics about corona virus infection, please press here.
Coranavirus - How can you protect yourself?
According to experts, only special fine particle masks, also known as filtering face pieces (FFP), are suitable for protecting yourself from infection by droplets from sick people. They consist entirely or partially of non-replaceable filter material and reduce infectious aerosols in the inhaled air. During the SARS epidemic 2002/2003, some studies for so-called FFP3 masks had demonstrated a certain protective effect (up to 98% certain).
The WHO recommends that the masks are not used as a preventive measure for healthy people, but only for patients and people who may have been infected so that they do not spread the virus. In suspicious cases, medical personnel in particular should wear a mask to protect themselves from a droplet infection. To protect against viruses, the WHO and e.g. in Germany by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) recommended above all strict hand hygiene. Nevertheless, it makes sense to protect yourself largely as a healthy person and thus not to further heat up the infection chain.
In cooperation with Artforum Culture Foundation also the Winter Foundation Hamburg we would like to give you some tips and recommendations for self-protection:
The art of hygiene*
Wash your hands
Keep a safe distance.
Disinfect incoming packages. Dispose of packaging material immediately.
Wear respiratory protection on contact. (Sun) glasses. (Disposable) gloves.
Only use towels yourself. Collect and wash in a safe sack after use.
Wash glasses after every external contact, dispose of other materials in a small bag immediately.
After possible contact:
Don't touch your face.
Wash your hair Or better: take a short shower. Dry thoroughly.
Lay out a thin layer of cotton wool (or a cotton cloth)
Activated carbon filter (e.g. for extractor hoods), if availabl
Folded paper tissues (or two layers of toilet paper
Working steps
Layer everything
Make a pattern based on illustrations of breathing masks by eye, made of fabric that covers the nose, mouth and over the chin based on the standard breathing masks.
Accordingly, the above material is modest in one operation
Sew all layers together using the sewing machine or by hand at the edges.
Sew on the elastic band (e.g. from underwear or pajamas) on the right and left, so that a loop is created that is sufficient and secure for fastening behind the ears.
Make absolutely sure that such a mask surrounds the nose and mouth well on the outside and that there is enough space to breathe inside.
The "Dame" by Heinz Zolper - a metaphor for Love and Respect
Dame sculpture in front of Speicherstadt Hamburg, draft by the artist Heinz Zolper
In a recent symposium on feminism and gender discussion in preparation for World Women's Day 2020, Heinz Zolper once again drew attention to the importance of holistic social life. He gave a clear rejection to dominance outside of a factually and ethically responsible context. Authoritarian claims to power and, in the near future, mechanisms of oppression may have no place in an enlightened world. They are an anachronism, which, however, makes it very clear how bad things are in terms of education and societies and groups.
Worldwide - and especially in large areas of the so-called western hemisphere too - women and other less re-presented social groups have no fair chance to participate independently in common life. Ultimately it is not enough to privilege only individual women through promised management positions. As long as existing systems only change some figures, but do not take into account a consolidation of the biological and psychological requirements and goals of all parts of society, the previous functional orientation remains unchanged. Therefore, quota regulations should only be made as a minimum requirement in the form of unimpeded and directly enforceable rights; everything else ignores the interests of girls and women, but also of other disadvantaged groups (such as children or minorities). The status quo can only be improved in terms of equality and enforceable rights for all. Because what good is it to exchange individual person on defined positions, but to maintain an unjust system. Respect for women, but generally respect for all creation, requires clear rules and visible signs of warning and reminder. However, respect can only really arise where is a place to develop self-confidence and an understanding of the need for love. Of course, this requires a process of learning and understanding - for those who are affected as well as for people who prevent this - doesn't matter fee it out of malice or stupidity. Such a process requires appropriate space and security, otherwise it cannot develop. In order to avoid polarization, it is also important to understand that actual or supposed claims will cripple the personality of the practitioner and generally reduce his chances of positive participation in life. Ultimately, it doesn't matter whether it's male, female or childish - what matters is the diversity of life. Caution and respect for one another is a basic requirement for all social interaction and every sustainable life. Disregard and disrespect, no matter by whom, are anti-social. The pursuit of these goals can only be achieved through a paradigm shift in everyone's mind if we want that our behaviour will be shaped by love and respect. Of course, this includes generally social ostracism of disregarding or even abusive behavior and actions. And these limits must apply to everyone, regardless of gender and age; and they shouldn't stop at the economic interests and of course enclose our earth with all it's creatures.
The "Dame"-sculpture - a must project for public spaces
The artist Heinz Zolper (* 1949) has been pursuing these goals for nearly half a century. And he has created an adaptable metaphor for his discourse: the so-called “Dame” portrait - which he wants to put more in the public eye as a symbol that is visible from afar. When Zolper hopes for love and demands respect, he trusts nothing more than on a process in the word's true meaning. 'Re-looking' as a literal translation of the Latin respectio refers to the repeated consideration and thorough assessment of a new impression in order to avoid the limited and superficiality of the first glance. Only a constant questioning of our own actions and our immediate perspectives can lead to the recognition of the rights of the other. Only thus can effect respect for the other and our environment. However, where love and respect are lacking or not given enough attention, everyone ultimately loses, regardless of the supposed position of power. That's the reason why Zolper's "Dame" is not just a multifaceted sign of the demanded respect for women, but a reminder and monument for the incompleteness of people and for social interaction. The artist, whose painterly work has accompanied the Winter Foundation for many years, wants his "Dame" sculptures to be understood as a memorial in public space to inspire and motivate us for our daily life. (pm)
