Germany 2022

Commissioner: ifa – Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen
Curator:Yilmaz Dziewior
Artist: Maria Eichhorn

In her project for the German Pavilion, Maria Eichhorn focuses on the history of the pavilion and its transformation.

The German Pavilion was built in 1909 for the 8th International Art Exhibition – la Biennale di Venezia. Initially established as the Bavarian Pavilion, it was renamed in 1912. Under the orders of Hitler, the German Pavilion was redesigned in 1938 in line with fascist architectural aesthetics. After World War II, the Nazi imperial eagle above the entrance was removed. In 1964, further significant structural changes were made and in 1984, the side wings were inscribed with the words “Bundesrepublik Deutschland” and “Repubblica Federale di Germania”. Yet the architecture of the German Pavilion still embodies the formal language of fascism.

Maria Eichhorn’s contribution will make visible traces of the former pavilion, both inside and outside, which point to the radical change that has taken place.