'Ingenious Dilletantes'

In the early eighties, an alternative artistic scene in Germany achieved international recognition and acclaim thanks to it loud protests and targeted provocation. The protagonists were not concerned with virtuous knowledge but aimed at self organisation in the sense of a do-it-yourself approach. The desire for a radical break was underlined by the establishment of their own record labels, galleries and clubs as well as the independent production of records and cassettes.

The Goethe Institute's exhibition at the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg (MKG) presents the protagonists and meeting points of the artistic scene in various cities in West and East Germany. The focus is on eight music bands as well as artists, film makers and designers from the early eighties. 'Ingenious Dilletantes' offers insight into the manifold connections between the protagonists themselves, and shows how the developments in art, film, fashion and design that were happening at the same time influenced each other.

The exhibition includes more than 250 exhibits, including paintings, photographs, pieces of art, design and fashion, records, music cassettes, sound stations, music, magazines and fanzines, posters, band films and a specially-produced interview film. It is still on display up until April 30, 2016.

Further information at: MKG-Hamburg