Protest Bike, Dresden

2018
Protest Bike exhibited within the framework of Power to the People. Political Art Now at Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt

In 2017, Marinella Senatore won the International Art Grant from The Foundation of Arts and Music for Dresden Awards in Dresden, Germany for a six-month artist residency in the city.

In collaboration, she seeks to foster new dynamics for movements and emotions, thoughts and ideas that may generate a different kind of social consciousness and override long established hierarchical structures.

During her six-month stay, a rise of Neo- Nazism and Neo-Fascism gradually takes over the society of Dresden. In the 21st century, Dresden has been the site of some of the biggest gatherings of Nazis in post- War Germany. In contrast to other cities in Germany resistance against the marches from civil society and left-wing groups had been relatively weak for years. With the emergence of the far right movement, crowds appear marching through Dresden chanting racist slogans.

There’s the conversation on the street where an old woman complains about the “bad” foreigners, and the other locals serving her agrees. There are the attacks on leftwing cultural projects or community centres. Even the artist herself was verbally attacked by the public throughout her stay.

While racist sentiment is especially strong in Dresden today, such attitudes are prevalent across the entire eastern German region. For this realization, Senatore recognized the importance of produce the work, Protest Bike Dresden to give a voice to the people acting against such intolerant behaviors.