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.
Donja Nasseri, DE
Mad Dogs, 2026 © Donja Nasseri. Photo © Manifesta 16 Ruhr / Rainer Schlautmann.
The central theme of Donja Nasseri's work revolves around navigating the relationship between tradition and change. She explores histories and narratives that shape identity and trauma, using materials from museums, archives and communities. By placing historical, personal and collective memories into a new context, she lets the viewers question their understanding of the past and its echoes in the present, particularly regarding colonialism and restitution. Her multidisciplinary approach, covering photography, collage, sculptures, sound and text, seeks to amplify marginalised voices and invite multiple interpretations rather than a definitive meaning.