21 June 2018

John Heartfield Online

Event with Klaus Staeck, Sebastian Turner, Annette Vowinckel and Astrid Frohloff (presentation) on Thursday, 28 June 2018, Pariser Platz

John Heartfield (1891-1968) was one of the most eminent and innovative political satirical artists in the resistance against National Socialism. His work and in particular his photomontages became icons in the fight against Fascism. Even today, they are still of European importance and have lost none of their explosive power. In the age of fake news and Photoshop, the effect of his analogue method of montage and artistic manipulation of image material is astonishingly current.

Comprising over 6,200 objects, the Akademie der Künste is home to the artist's extensive graphic legacy; his bequest is among the most requested archival holdings in the art collection. The Akademie is currently preparing an online-catalogue intended to make his oeuvre permanently accessible and to present it in its abundance and complexity. Thus, many previously unknown works are being made public for the first time and will give new impetus to academic discourse. The comprehensive online catalogue, which is planned to be launched later this year, will kick off a series of events initiated by the Akademie der Künste archives, marking the 50th anniversary of John Heartfield's passing. 
In 2019, a virtual exhibition on the "Heartfield Cosmos" will present the diversity of his work and his artistic network. A major retrospective at Pariser Platz is being planned for 2020. The research and digitisation projects are supported by the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation.

Klaus Staeck, Honorary President of the Akademie der Künste, follows in the tradition of the pioneer of photomontage like no other contemporary artist. Together with Sebastian Turner, editor of the Berlin Tagesspiegel newspaper, and Annette Vowinckel from the Centre for Contemporary History Potsdam and author of Agenten der Bilder. Fotografisches Handeln im 20. Jahrhundert, he will discuss the impact of John Heartfield's work on today's political and artistic discourse. The event will be moderated by journalist and ARD TV presenter Astrid Frohloff. Werner Heegewaldt, director of the archives, and Martin Hoernes, Secretary General of the Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation, will give the welcoming address.

Event Information
Heartfield Online. The graphic work
Presentation and panel discussion
Thursday, 28 June, 20:00
Akademie der Künste, Pariser Platz 4, 10117 Berlin
Admission €6/4 Ticket reservations: Tel. (030) 200 57-1000, ticket@adk.de 
Press tickets: Tel. 030 20057-1514, presse@adk.de 

Supported by
Ernst von Siemens Kunststiftung (Ernst von Siemens Art Foundation)

Press Contact
Anette Schmitt, T 030 200 57-15 09, schmitt@adk.de