The organizers of the first documenta in Kassel in 1955 had no discernible interest in the equal participation of women. They pursued clear goals with the exhibition of works of European modernism: Women artists were barely represented in the ambitious concept.
 
As the notorious exception to the rule, there were seven female artists in the exhibition – despite all male expectations – with a total of 22 works, compared to 670 works by 140 male artists.
 
This is not the first time that art historian Karoline Hille has been on the trail of this “flaw”. Inspired by the venue, she will present surprising discoveries and stories about the female artists of the first documenta. She will focus in particular on the reception history of Gabriele Münter, Emy Roeder and Sophie Taeuber-Arp.


The women artists of the first documenta: history and stories

Lecture by Dr. Karoline Hille

on November 21, 2024
at 19:00
in the lecture hall of the Fridericianum


Karoline Hille holds a doctorate in art history and lives as a freelance author in Ludwigshafen am Rhein. Her monographs include: "Hannah Höch. Von Heiligensee in die Welt" (Wienand 2018), "Gabriele Münter" (Dumont 2012), "Marc Chagall und das deutsche Publikum" (Böhlau 2005).