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Last days of Documenta 14

last days of documenta 14The current edition of one of world’s most important acts for contemporary art is soon coming to an end. If you are an art lover and haven’t been there in Kassel yet, attention: these are the last days of documenta 14. September 17th will be the closing day of the event that transforms an entire city into an art exhibition. No doubt 2017 will be remembered as its most agitated year so far. And there are plenty reasons why. First of all borders have been overcome. Besides Kassel, the official city host in Germany, a big part of the exhibitions took place in Athens and in its alluring venues. Second: all records have been broken. This is by far the most visited edition since the event was founded in 1955. And last: no other one has set so much tongues wagging.

Founded by Arnold Bode documenta was born to display the so call degenerated art. The expression was used by the Nazis to denominate Modern Art, which Hitler and its regime banned during the 3rd Reich. Bode’s idea with the conception of the documenta was to use this same art, once prohibited by the fascists, to reproach and condemn these which were the darkest years of the German history.

62 years have passed and documenta 14 came to prove that the values haven’t changed. Considered the most political of all editions so far, the exhibition brought a reflection about itself, its purposes and limits. Having as main themes war, colonialism and immigration it displays some powerful pieces from all around the globe. A two day walk around the more than 20 exhibition venues invites visitors to feel and maybe understand some of the hardest events of our troubled social-political times.

The Athens part has long been gone. So if you still want to catch it up go to Kassel. Besides all the enlightening art, the city is very enjoyable. The burg wall from medieval times, charming hills, gardens, green areas, cafés and restaurants with beautiful views are the perfect spots for the between pauses. No doubt it is worth going still. And on your way there or back make a pits top in Berlin at the Amstel House.

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