The exhibition curated by artists Hannah Goldstein and Claudia Balsters shines a light on the crucial contributions of women in resisting the Nazis, marking the 80th anniversary of an assassination attempt against Hitler. Displayed at the Willy Brandt House in Berlin, the exhibition features the writings and works of women displayed across walls and floors, showcasing their courage and resilience. One of the highlighted stories is that of Annedore Leber, who was imprisoned by the Nazis but later documented the lives of resistance fighters, challenging the male-centric narratives of history.
Goldstein emphasizes the importance of highlighting women’s stories, noting that history is often written by the winners, who have historically been white men. The exhibition has garnered strong reactions from visitors, many of whom have found connections to their own family histories and reflected on their roles in society. Balsters mentions that visitors in France and Germany were moved by the histories depicted in the exhibition, prompting them to question their own place in society.
The exhibition comes at a critical time in Germany, where far-right sentiments and attacks on Holocaust memorials have been on the rise. Memorials for LGBTQ victims and plaques commemorating the deportation of Jewish people have been vandalized in the past year, underscoring the contemporary relevance of the exhibition. Goldstein stresses the importance of continuing to fight against oppression in order to create a just and fair world, inspiring visitors to take action against injustice.
The exhibition runs until September 8, serving as a reminder of the bravery of women who fought against tyranny and encouraging visitors to reflect on their own roles in the ongoing struggle for justice and equality. By highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of women in resisting the Nazis, Goldstein and Balsters have created a powerful and impactful exhibition that showcases the strength and resilience of these women in the face of adversity. This exhibition serves as a call to action for visitors to continue the fight for justice and equality in their own lives and communities, drawing inspiration from the stories of these courageous women who stood up against oppression.
