[this is a very good exhibit, and I believe they're original pages, not repros]
Contact:Norma Broadwater202-289-1200, ext. 106
nbroadwater@washington.goethe.org
September 6 – October 31, 2006
Simplicissimus and the Empire 1896-1914
Satire is undoubtedly as old as humankind itself, and has always provoked both laughter and outrage. Recognizing the success of theSimplicissimus and the Weimar Republic exhibition in the fall of2003, the Goethe-Institut Washington displays reproductions of original Simplicissimus caricatures dating from 1896 to 1914. Simplicissimus, also commonly known as "Der Simpl," was among the earliest and most significant of the late nineteenth-century satirical periodicals that nurtured and embodied the developing spirit of Expressionism in Germany. The magazine was satirically strongest during those early days, caricaturing Wilhelmine politics,publicservants, the military, and other political groups, but nevertheless leaving room for an animated portrayal ofdaily life. Originally conceived in 1896 as an art and literature revue for themasses, it soon changed its course to feature caricature and satire, projecting a shockingly aggressive, inherently revolutionary vision. Its attitude and ideology consisted of antagonism towards the bourgeoisie, rejection of urban life with its culture andmaterialism, and espousal of man's unity with nature. It highlighted new design currents and a new form of social and political satire. Simplicissimus developed a model still in use by modern caricaturists and illustrators. Although some of the texts' allusions may challenge today's public due to our lack of knowledge about the day-to-day political context in which they were created, the drawings speak for themselves.
Opening lecture Wednesday, September 6, at 6:30 pm by Marion Deshmukh, Professor of Art History at George Mason University, followed by a reception. RSVP to 202-289-1200 ext. 160.
Panel discussion Satire: History and Modern Perceptions on Thursday,September 14, at 6:30 pm: Satire and cartoons have a long legacy of provoking laughter and outrage. What are some highlights of that history, and what role docartoons and humor play throughout the world today? Are there any boundaries, or is everything allowed? Panelists include: PeterJelavich, professor of history, Johns Hopkins University KevinKallaugher (KAL), The Economist, www.Kaltoons.com Ann Telnaes, editorial cartoonist and Pulitzer Prize winner
RSVP to 202-289-1200 ext. 161
Gallery hours: Monday to Thursday 9 to5; Friday 9 to 3. Featured during "Third Thursday," Downtown's monthly gallery crawl, on September 21 and October 19 from 6 – 8 pm, and on Saturday, September 16, from noon to 5 pm as part of the14thannual Arts on Foot festival. Presented in conjunction with the film series Satire in Film. More information can be found at www.goethe.de/washington.
About the Goethe-Institut: Mutual understanding among nations bypromoting international cultural dialogue: this is the ambitiousmission of the Goethe-Institut. On behalf of the Federal Republic ofGermany, cultural institutes around the world provide cultural programs, language courses, support to educators, and up-to-date information on Germany in the context of Europe. Founded in 1990, Goethe-Institut Washington, DC is a center for German culture and language, and for the coordination of media projects for all of North America. From its location in the newly-revitalized Downtown, the Goethe-Institut Washington reaches out to both individuals and organizations in the community, bridging the past, present, and future with a variety of high-quality events.
ADDRESS:812 Seventh St. NW
Washington, DC 20001
Metro: Gallery Place/Chinatown202-289-1200
www.goethe.de/washington
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