BERLIN.- A groundbreaking new exhibition, "Beyond Borders," is set to open at the Humboldt Forum on October 3, 2024. Curated by Kerstin Pinther, the exhibition delves into the artistic and cultural exchanges between the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and other socialist states during the Cold War era.

"Beyond Borders" aims to challenge conventional narratives about the GDR, presenting a more nuanced and complex picture of the country's artistic scene. The exhibition features a diverse range of works by artists from the GDR and its allies, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and textiles.

One of the exhibition's key themes is the role of art in fostering international solidarity. The GDR government actively promoted cultural exchanges with other socialist countries as a means of strengthening political ties. The exhibition explores how artists from both sides of the Iron Curtain responded to these efforts, often using their work to express personal experiences and challenge official narratives.

The exhibition also examines the impact of migration on the GDR's artistic landscape. During the Cold War, thousands of workers from Vietnam, Cuba, and other socialist countries migrated to the GDR to fill labor shortages. These migrants brought with them their own cultural traditions and artistic practices, which had a significant influence on the GDR's artistic scene.

"Beyond Borders" features works by several notable artists, including Maithu Bùi, Seiichi Furuya, Mio Okido, Minh Duc Pham, and Su-Ran Sichling. Bùi and Pham, both of Vietnamese descent, use their art to explore the experiences of migrant workers in the GDR. Furuya's photographs offer a glimpse into everyday life in East Berlin during the 1980s. Okido's collages and drawings examine the complexities of cultural memory and the ongoing tensions between East and West Germany.

In addition to the main exhibition, the Humboldt Forum will also host a series of events related to the GDR's transformation. These events will include panel discussions, film screenings, and performances.

"Beyond Borders" is a timely and important exhibition that sheds new light on the GDR's artistic legacy. By exploring the country's connections with other socialist states and its experiences with migration, the exhibition offers a more complete understanding of the GDR's cultural history.