Nan Goldin Condemns Israel and Germany at Berlin Exhibition Opening

Nan Goldin opened her exhibition “This Will Not End Well” at the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin on Friday. In her speech, she criticized both Israel and Germany for their roles in the genocide in Gaza and Lebanon. She began with four minutes of silence for the victims of the conflict, including Israeli civilians.

Goldin pointed to recent arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Israeli leaders for war crimes and stated, “the ICC is talking about genocide.” She expressed frustration that in Germany, discussing this issue as genocide leads to backlash. Goldin also highlighted the marginalization of protests and Islamophobia in Germany, which has a large Palestinian diaspora.

Goldin’s powerful remarks received applause, particularly when she asserted that “Never again means never again for everyone,” referencing the Holocaust. After her speech, Klaus Biesenbach, director of the gallery, attempted to shift focus, saying the primary responsibility for suffering in Gaza lies with Hamas. His remarks were drowned out by the audience chanting “Free Palestine.”

Goldin is recognized in the art world, being named the most influential person in 2023 by ArtReview. Her speech has sparked significant reactions in Germany, which seeks to silence criticism of its support for Israel. The German Culture Minister, Claudia Roth, condemned Goldin’s views while ignoring the human toll in Gaza.

What impact does art have on political discourse and human rights issues?

Interview with Dr. Anna Fischer, Human Rights Specialist

News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Fischer. Nan Goldin recently opened her exhibition “This Will Not End Well” in Berlin, where she spoke out against the ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon. What do you think about her decision to address such a sensitive political issue in an art context?

Dr. Anna Fischer: Thank you for having me. Goldin’s decision to use her platform to address these urgent issues is commendable. Art has always had the power to provoke thought and inspire action, and in this case, her words resonate with many who feel unheard. By drawing attention to the genocide claims and the suffering of civilians, she challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths.

News Directory 3: Goldin expressed frustration about the backlash in Germany when discussions around genocide arise. Why do you think there is such resistance in Germany to engage with this topic?

Dr. Anna Fischer: Germany has a complex history when it comes to discussions about genocide and human rights violations. The Holocaust looms large in the national consciousness, and there’s often a fear of being perceived as unsympathetic to Jewish suffering. This can lead to a reluctance to engage in conversations about the suffering of other groups, such as Palestinians, as it can feel like a zero-sum game. However, it’s crucial to remember that acknowledging one group’s suffering does not negate another’s.

News Directory 3: After Goldin’s speech, Klaus Biesenbach attempted to shift the blame for the current suffering in Gaza to Hamas. What are your thoughts on this narrative?

Dr. Anna Fischer: Such narratives can be problematic as they oversimplify a very complex situation. While it’s essential to critique the role of Hamas, focusing solely on them ignores the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the systemic issues leading to suffering. It detracts from the need to assess the actions of state actors that contribute to civilian casualties and international law violations.

News Directory 3: Goldin’s remarks received applause, particularly her statement, “Never again means never again for everyone.” How significant is this statement in the context of current events?

Dr. Anna Fischer: This statement is incredibly powerful. It calls for a universal commitment to prevent atrocities against any group. Given Germany’s history, it serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with such a legacy. It emphasizes the need for empathy and solidarity across different struggles for human rights, highlighting that we cannot allow historical lessons to be forgotten or selectively applied.

News Directory 3: Goldin’s message has ignited significant reactions in Germany, particularly from figures like Culture Minister Claudia Roth. How do you see the government’s response affecting public discourse on the issue?

Dr. Anna Fischer: The government’s condemnation of Goldin reflects a broader tendency to silence dissenting voices. Such reactions often lead to polarization in public discourse. On one hand, this can galvanize those who share Goldin’s views to speak out more forcefully. On the other hand, it can create a culture of fear that deters open dialogue. Ultimately, the way the government responds will shape the landscape of public conversation, and it’s crucial for civil society to demand a more nuanced discourse.

News Directory 3: What do you believe is the role of international solidarity in addressing the ongoing violence in Gaza?

Dr. Anna Fischer: International solidarity is vital. It amplifies the voices of those affected and pushes for collective action against injustices. When communities around the world stand in solidarity with victims of violence, it not only brings attention to the issues but also creates pressure on governments to act. In the case of Gaza, it is essential for the international community to hold accountable those responsible for war crimes and advocate for humanitarian relief and a just resolution to the conflict.

News Directory 3: Thank you, Dr. Fischer, for your insights on this critical topic.

Dr. Anna Fischer: Thank you for having me. It’s an essential conversation to have, and I hope it continues to gain traction.

The gallery had previously planned a symposium with pro-Israeli speakers, which Goldin opposed. Despite attempts at damage control, Goldin’s message has resonated with many who are disturbed by the situation in Gaza. The German government has shown reluctance to act on the ICC warrant for Netanyahu.

Goldin’s comments reflect widespread global outrage over the suffering in Gaza. Historically, Germans have learned that the systematic annihilation of a people must never happen again. However, the current situation in Gaza indicates a failure to uphold this principle. Addressing these issues requires international solidarity and action against the ongoing violence.