exhibition

Art is not the dust from old pictures, blown into hollow skulls, but what moves people. 66 wolves cast from metal have a threatening effect, and pose questions: What will happen when the structures of order and solidarity break down, and xenophobia spreads like a virus? When moral and ethical rules cease to apply, and society is increasingly shaped by fear, violence and brutalisation? When blind nationalism takes hold? When the limitations of people’s own living conditions make them develop the attitude of rabbits in a hutch? If countries were to follow their inner brutalisation, arm themselves against the outside world, and take an ever more aggressive tone? So, what happens when people become wolves? The exhibition “The wolves are back?” is intended to show the answer, and act as a warning.

Dresden and Potsdam form the opening acts of a tour of the wolves through our country, which it is hoped over 1 million people will see. With this spectacular project, I want to encourage people to do more against xenophobia, hatred and violence.

I have resolved to have thousands of discussions, and will be present almost continuously during the exhibitions. I have resolved to have thousands of discussions, and will be present almost continuously during the exhibitions.

Ultimately, this art project is also intended to make clear that we must create conditions in our country in which no one needs to hate. Addressing the root of the problem means not just fighting embitterment, hatred and violence, but seeing the crisis as a challenge to work on creating a society that acts against social and political divisions. All of this will result in the growth of the people into a firewall against hatred and violence. Only this, and not bleak marginalisation, can be the objective of a democratic society.

Rainer Opolka