Behind the Mask

Artists in the GDR

Westheider Ortrud, Philipp Michael

"Behind the Mask: Artists in the GDR" focuses on the wide variety of artistic self-staging in the GDR, between public and private, prescribed collectivism and creative individuality. The intention of the GDR's official state art was to exert political influence and this resulted in ideological entanglements that have been examined in numerous publications and exhibitions in recent years. Yet how did artists in the GDR critically scrutinize themselves and their own art when their prescribed role was to represent the interests of the state? The pertinent essays and outstanding reproductions in this volume draw a comprehensive picture of art in the GDR from a new and knowledge-enhancing perspective.

With essays by Valerie Hortolani, Hannah Klemm, Petra Lange-Berndt, Michael Philipp, Carolin Quermann and Martin Schieder.

About the Author

Ortrud Westheider is Director of the Museum Barberini in Potsdam, Germany.

Michael Philipp is Chief Curator at the Museum Barberini in Potsdam, Germany.

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