Manifesta purposely strives to keep its distance from what are often seen as the dominant centres of artistic production, instead seeking fresh and fertile terrain for the mapping of a new cultural topography.
Olaf Metzel, DE
Café Bagdad. Aluminium, stainless steel, digital print c. 300 × 450 cm.
Few other German sculptors focus on contemporary history as much as Olaf Metzel. Political and social realities form both the content and the material of his sculptures. His work in public space has led to strong reactions in many places. In addition to references to the art system, his work often takes up current topics. Almost all his works reflect an examination of (state) power, control, surveillance, media and exclusion. Ultimately, Metzel creates “images of our time". He wants to unveil cultural and social problems and to take a stand against the present, our everyday reality.