Indescribably female: art shows the life of women in the GDR

Indescribably female: art shows the life of women in the GDR

Cottbus, Deutschland - How does the image of women develop in art? An exciting question that is currently answered in Cottbus. There the exhibition “indescribably female” runs, which puts the life realities of women in the GDR into the light. About 100 works by artists such as Lutz Friedel and Monika Geilsdorf are shown, which map diverse perspectives and experiences. This show deals not only with the idealization of femininity, but also with the tensions between the socialist equilibriums and the traditional role expectations.

The Kustodin Carolin Kühne underlines that not only "women's pictures" are viewed here. In the unofficial art scene of the GDR, women were often portrayed as socialists, working people and mothers, but also as vulnerable and self -powerful. With almost 200 looks of women, “indescribably feminine” offers an intensive examination of the topic of the role of role.

art and social context

The exhibition addresses the idealization of the socialist woman and the distancing of it that many artists experienced. Works by women like Sabine Herrmann, whose coal drawing "Frau im Rad" from 1991 is part of the central work in the exhibition, reflect the feeling of being constantly active without really moving. Herrmann not only survived the turning point artistically, it has also become successful in museums and on the market.

The image of women in the GDR was shaped by the politics of the SED, propagated equality and emphasized the independence of women by participating in working life. In the 1960s, around 62 percent of the women who were employed worked - that was more than in West Germany. Nevertheless, many women remained in traditional roles. The reward was often lower, and the multiple burden of family, work and household was a reality for many. These aspects can also be seen in the works of art of the exhibition, which address both the challenge and the beauty of life of women.

variety of life forms

Kühne points out that the exhibition makes the diversity of life forms visible. Portraits in the exhibition, such as the censored work "Resting Mother with Child" by Wilhelm Lachnits, show that the image of the woman in the GDR was not only one -sided. Many works also reflect an artistic reluctance in the face of external expectations. Women found ways to deal with their experiences and to express them in art.

The 68 movement was a key moment for many artists. In the 70s and 80s, they increasingly came to the fore with new topics such as discomfort and vulnerability. If we take a look at the exhibition, there is no leaf in front of your mouth: these pictures tell of reality, challenges, but also about strengths.

The exhibition "Indescribable female" can still be seen in the Cottbus diesel power plant until August 10 and offers a valuable insight into the eventful art history of the GDR and the image of women of that time. A visit is definitely worth it for everyone who is interested in art and roles of women in society.

The exhibition makes it clear that the achievements of women's promotion are not a matter of course and can be developed back. It reminds us of continuing to promote the visibility of women in art and society.

Further information can be found in the articles of fr.de href = "https://www.daserste.de/information/wissen-kultur/tt/sendung/weifleich-100.html"> daserste.de and hdg.de .