Don’t miss: Christoph Schlingensief in the collection of the Neue Nationalgalerie Berlin

We are very excited that Christoph Schlingensief’s work Deutschland versenken (1999) will be permanently represented in the collection of the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin starting May 2, 2025! On the occasion of Gallery Weekend Berlin, the installation will be presented as part of the exhibition Zerreißprobe. Art between Politics and Society. Collection of the Nationalgalerie 1945–2000.

Deutschland versenken is a central part of Schlingensief’s project Deutschlandsuche ’99 and provides a profound reflection on the political and societal situation in Germany at that time. This presentation not only marks the rediscovery of an important artwork but also a significant moment in recognizing Schlingensief’s influence on contemporary art. The exhibition offers the public the opportunity to experience one of the most important works in German art history in a new context—and reminds us of the relevance of Schlingensief’s engagement with art, politics, and society, which is still significant today. The work will be donated to the collection by Aino Laberenz, Managing Director of the Opera Village, who manages the artist’s estate. It was realized in collaboration with Aino Laberenz, Frieder Schlaich (Filmgalerie 451), and under the curatorial direction of Klaus Biesenbach (Director of the Neue Nationalgalerie).

©Film still from Deutschland versenken, November 9, 1999: Christoph Schlingensief at Times Square. Courtesy Filmgalerie 451, Estate Christoph Schlingensief, Berlin.