- documenta
In view of the terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023 and the growing anti-Semitism in Germany as well as the polarized debates surrounding it, the work process of the Finding Committee for the Artistic Direction of documenta 16 has come under mounting pressure in recent weeks. Following the resignations of Bracha Lichtenberg Ettinger and Ranjit Hoskoté from the Finding Committee, documenta und Museum Fridericianum gGmbH, its partners, and the remaining members of the documenta 16 Finding Committee have engaged in intense discussions about the possible consequences for the ongoing selection process. The management considered suspending the selection process due to the special global situation following Hamas’ terrorist attack in Israel. Continuing the process with just the remaining members of the Finding Committee was also considered, as was the reappointment of two new members to the Finding Committee during the current process, and indeed the complete relaunch of the entire selection process.
It was of pivotal importance for documenta und Museum Fridericianum gGmbH to show respect for the position of the remaining members of the Finding Committee. Simon Njami, Gong Yan, Kathrin Rhomberg, and María Inés Rodríguez ultimately decided, in what were extremely difficult deliberations, that they no longer wished to be a part of the selection process. This Thursday evening, November 16, 2023, they announced their resignation from the committee to the Managing Director of documenta und Museum Fridericianum gGmbH. documenta und Museum Fridericianum gGmbH respects this decision and thanks all those involved for their dedication. It will now propose to the Supervisory Board that the selection process for documenta 16 be entirely restructured. As regards the timing, it will propose that the organizational review should first be fully completed with a resolution by the Supervisory Board on the changed structures before the process can commence afresh.
Documenta Resignation Letter: Simon Njami, Gong Yan, Kathrin Rhomberg, and María Inés Rodríguez