Bakunin’s Barricade: Answered
On 28 May 2024, a group of cultural workers and activists submitted a collective request to Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam to loan Bakunin’s Barricade, an artwork by Ahmet Öğüt based on a concept by artist Mikhail Bakunin, to protect students in Palestinian solidarity protests from escalating police violence in the Netherlands. After initial conversations with the group, the museum proposed to make the work available under conditions that didn’t meet the expectations of the artist and activists.
In response, Öğüt stated that his work must be understood on its own terms, independent of museum collections or external factors. He emphasised that he had made clear his commitment to loan Bakunin’s Barricade in the event of protests.
In October 2024, Öğüt published a statement demanding the museum remove Bakunin’s Barricade from the display. Bakunin’s Barricade: Answered is an opportunity to hear from the artist and to discuss the responsibility of cultural institutions and the work’s role in societal struggles. What does it mean to move beyond symbolic gestures? How does the barricade function as both an artwork and a practical tool?
This event is in English. Admission is free.
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This event may be photographed and filmed. Kindly let us know in advance if you prefer not to have your picture taken.
Framer Framed is supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science; Amsterdam Fund for the Arts; Municipality of Amsterdam; and VriendenLoterij Fonds.
