Artist: Henrike Naumann
Exhibition title: Re-Education
Curated by: Kyle Dancewicz with Christopher Aque (Curatorial Assistant: Leo Cocar)
Venue: SculptureCenter, New York, US
Date: September 22, 2022 – February 27, 2023
Photography: all images copyright and courtesy of the artists and SculptureCenter, New York
Note: Exhibition guide is available here
SculptureCenter to present the first U.S. exhibition of artist Henrike Naumann.
Long Island City, NY – SculptureCenter is pleased to announce Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, the first exhibition in the United States by Berlin-based artist Henrike Naumann, on view September 22, 2022 – February 27, 2023.
Naumann’s installations of furniture and design objects are composed as scenes that ask pressing and enduring questions: What is the relationship between design and ideology? How should one read the politics of design? Inflected by her own formative years growing up in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) and then a unified Germany, Naumann’s work often considers the social transformations initiated by Western consumer capitalism as it reached former socialist states and ideas of the “good life” that have arisen globally (if unevenly). Naumann contends with the many side effects visible today: Millennial bourgeois consumerism, socioeconomic discontent, antagonistic orientations to political power, and virulent extremism. Her installations function as case studies in lingering cultural moments, unresolved kitchen table politics, and design’s capacity to reconcile or reignite the past — positioning the viewer as both a captive in an oppressive system of global production and a free agent of consumer taste.
At SculptureCenter, Naumann has developed a museum-scaled display of dozens of furnishings and domestic items staged in a critical parody of the dubious “horseshoe theory.” The “horseshoe theory” was developed in Germany in the 1930s and revived in the 1990s both to establish the parameters of the political center and to treat far left and far right extremisms as equivalent threats to its order – as if they were the two ends of a horseshoe bending away from the middle and out of control at the same rate. Naumann’s exhibition rejects such superficial and misleading categorizations of centers and extremes by conducting an idiosyncratic survey of rural sensibilities in American interior design, from faux-bois chairs to the farmhouse doors of the suburban cul-du-sac. Looking at the United States as an interested outsider, Naumann’s work uses found objects to test received ideas and expectations of the democratic “West,” as well as the fraught idealism and amnesia expressed in the norms of certain rustic contemporary design principles. Well-suited for an age that is both hyper-aware of niche political identifications and wary of misreading aesthetic cues, Naumann’s work prompts viewers to engage in a conspiratorial questioning about the deeper natures of the objects that define our daily lives: is there such a thing as a libertarian sofa, a far-left stool, or a neconservative armchair, and are they sold in different stores?
Naumann’s exhibition references two phenomena: first, the deployment of anti-fascist “re-education” programs developed by Allied Forces to reestablish a footing for democracy in West Germany after World War II; and second, the later, implicit, self-“re-education” after 1989 of those living in former socialist states, such as Naumann’s native East Germany. For Naumann’s post-1989 generation, “re-education” happened through an imported, American pop culture (Naumann cites The Flintstones as a touchstone) and increased consumer agency – in essence, the GDR entering Western history through retail and media. The exhibition also includes a survey of more than ten video works by Naumann made between 2012 and 2022.
Reframing dormant Cold War-era geopolitical conditions, Naumann’s project opens a new consciousness of how we live among the ruins of twentieth century ideologies that were exported and reimported by U.S. power over the last several decades — now especially visible to a generation born just as the Cold War drew to a close. With deadpan humor, Naumann’s exhibition considers how current and subsequent generations “re-educate” themselves by participating in an ever-changing economy, conforming to aspirational design conventions, or, conversely, lurching toward the fringes as a supposed political “center” expands and contracts under different conditions and across time.
Henrike Naumann: Re-Education is curated by Kyle Dancewicz, Deputy Director, SculptureCenter, with Christopher Aque, Exhibition & Program Manager. Project Curatorial Assistant: Leo Cocar.
About Henrike Naumann
Henrike Naumann’s (born 1984 in Zwickau, former German Democratic Republic; lives and works in Berlin) work reflects socio-political problems on the level of interior design and domestic space and explores antagonistic political beliefs through the ambivalent aesthetics of personal taste. In her immersive installations she arranges furniture and home decor into scenographic spaces interspersed with video and sound work. Growing up in Eastern Germany, Naumann experienced far-right ideology as a predominant youth culture in the ’90s. Therefore, she is interested in the mechanisms of radicalization and how they are linked to personal experience. Although rooted in her experiences in Germany, Naumann’s work has addressed the global connectivity of youth cultures and their role in the process of cultural othering. Solo presentations of Naumann’s work have been presented at Kunsthaus Dahlem, Berlin (2021); Museum der Bildenden Künste Leipzig (2019); Belvedere 21, Vienna (2019); Kunstverein Hannover (2019); Chemnitz Open Space (2019); KOW Berlin (2019); Galerie im Turm, Berlin (2018); and Museum Abteiberg, Mönchengladbach (2018). She has participated in group exhibitions at documenta fifteen, Kassel (2022); Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow (2021); Ural Biennale, Yekaterinburg, Russia (2021); Pinchuk Art Center, Kyiv, Ukraine (2021); Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin (2021); Kunsthalle Mannheim (2021); Seoul Mediacity Biennale, South Korea (2021); Wanderausstellung des Goethe Institut (2021); Wanderausstellung des Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen (ifa) (2021); Schirn Kunsthalle, Frankfurt (2020); Haus der Kunst, Munich (2019); and MMK, Frankfurt (2018), among many others.
About SculptureCenter
SculptureCenter leads the conversation on contemporary art by supporting artistic innovation and independent thought highlighting sculpture’s specific potential to change the way we engage with the world. Positioning artists’ work in larger cultural, historical, and aesthetic contexts, SculptureCenter discerns and interprets emerging ideas. Founded by artists in 1928, SculptureCenter provides an international forum that connects artists and audiences by presenting exhibitions, commissioning new work, and generating scholarship.
Since relocating to Long Island City in 2001, SculptureCenter has presented works by over nine hundred artists through its annual exhibition program, and today, it is considered one of New York’s most important resources for artists. Placing emphasis on investment, inclusiveness, independence, transparency, and rigor, SculptureCenter has developed a strong reputation for championing underrecognized and emerging artists, many of whom have gone on to celebrated and substantial careers; these include Kelly Akashi, Sam Anderson, Nairy Baghramian, Sanford Biggers, Tom Burr, Banu Cennetoğlu, Fiona Connor, Rafael Domenech, ektor garcia, Liz Glynn, Rochelle Goldberg, Leslie Hewitt, Tishan Hsu, Rashid Johnson, Rindon Johnson, Matt Keegan, Agnieszka Kurant, Diane Severin Nguyen, Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook, Jessi Reaves, Magali Reus, Carissa Rodriguez, Ugo Rondinone, Aki Sasamoto, Gedi Sibony, Katrín Sigurdardóttir, Xaviera Simmons, Alexandre Singh, Monika Sosnowska, Mika Tajima, Cosima von Bonin, Jesse Wine, Turner Prize recipient Charlotte Prodger and nominee Anthea Hamilton, and Hugo Boss Prize winners Anicka Yi and Simone Leigh. SculptureCenter continuously offers a dynamic series of free public programs and events including artist talks, performances, film screenings, and publications.
Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, installation view, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, installation view, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, installation view, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann, Re-Education, 2022, installation view, Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Benjamin Moore “Bone White” (OC-143), relief lettering in SculptureCenter typeface c. 1940s. Dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, installation view, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann, Welcome to Bedrock, 2022, installation view, Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Benjamin Moore “Bleeker Beige” (HC-80), The Flintstones-style television set, The Flintstones-style window with monitor, rocks, contemporary stone-age items from eBay, Craigslist, and New York’s stoops and flea markets. Dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann, Welcome to Bedrock, 2022, detail, Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Benjamin Moore “Bleeker Beige” (HC-80), The Flintstones-style television set, The Flintstones-style window with monitor, rocks, contemporary stone-age items from eBay, Craigslist, and New York’s stoops and flea markets. Dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann, Welcome to Bedrock, 2022, detail, Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Benjamin Moore “Bleeker Beige” (HC-80), The Flintstones-style television set, The Flintstones-style window with monitor, rocks, contemporary stone-age items from eBay, Craigslist, and New York’s stoops and flea markets. Dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann, Welcome to Bedrock, 2022, detail, Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Benjamin Moore “Bleeker Beige” (HC-80), The Flintstones-style television set, The Flintstones-style window with monitor, rocks, contemporary stone-age items from eBay, Craigslist, and New York’s stoops and flea markets. Dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, installation view, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann, Welcome to Bedrock, 2022, detail, Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Benjamin Moore “Bleeker Beige” (HC-80), The Flintstones-style television set, The Flintstones-style window with monitor, rocks, contemporary stone-age items from eBay, Craigslist, and New York’s stoops and flea markets. Dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann, Welcome to Bedrock, 2022, detail, Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Benjamin Moore “Bleeker Beige” (HC-80), The Flintstones-style television set, The Flintstones-style window with monitor, rocks, contemporary stone-age items from eBay, Craigslist, and New York’s stoops and flea markets. Dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann, Welcome to Bedrock, 2022, detail, Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Benjamin Moore “Bleeker Beige” (HC-80), The Flintstones-style television set, The Flintstones-style window with monitor, rocks, contemporary stone-age items from eBay, Craigslist, and New York’s stoops and flea markets. Dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann, Rustic Traditions, 2022, installation view, Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Benjamin Moore “Capitol White” (CW-10), relief lettering, federal- style furniture, pitchforks, rakes, shovel, hammer, rock, rusted chain, “Original Marble–U.S. Capitol Steps 1865-1995” bookends. Dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann, Rustic Traditions, 2022, detail, Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Benjamin Moore “Capitol White” (CW-10), relief lettering, federal- style furniture, pitchforks, rakes, shovel, hammer, rock, rusted chain, “Original Marble–U.S. Capitol Steps 1865-1995” bookends. Dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann, Rustic Traditions, 2022, detail, Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Benjamin Moore “Capitol White” (CW-10), relief lettering, federal- style furniture, pitchforks, rakes, shovel, hammer, rock, rusted chain, “Original Marble–U.S. Capitol Steps 1865-1995” bookends. Dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann, Rustic Traditions, 2022, detail, Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Benjamin Moore “Capitol White” (CW-10), relief lettering, federal- style furniture, pitchforks, rakes, shovel, hammer, rock, rusted chain, “Original Marble–U.S. Capitol Steps 1865-1995” bookends. Dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann, Rustic Traditions, 2022, installation view, Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Benjamin Moore “Capitol White” (CW-10), relief lettering, federal- style furniture, pitchforks, rakes, shovel, hammer, rock, rusted chain, “Original Marble–U.S. Capitol Steps 1865-1995” bookends. Dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann, Horseshoe Theory, 2022, detail, Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Wayfair “Stonehenge” bench, brown plastic folding chair, faux bois chair with bone faux fur, Adirondack-style 1990s high chair, Shaker one-step stool, Charles Rennie Mackintosh “Hill House”-style chair, walnut faux fur chair, Staples “Westcliffe” bonded leather computer chair, kneeling chair, rust brown recliner, antique horn chair, antique child’s rocking chair, bone chair, milking stool. Dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann, Horseshoe Theory, 2022, detail, Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Wayfair “Stonehenge” bench, brown plastic folding chair, faux bois chair with bone faux fur, Adirondack-style 1990s high chair, Shaker one-step stool, Charles Rennie Mackintosh “Hill House”-style chair, walnut faux fur chair, Staples “Westcliffe” bonded leather computer chair, kneeling chair, rust brown recliner, antique horn chair, antique child’s rocking chair, bone chair, milking stool. Dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann, Horseshoe Theory, 2022, detail, Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Wayfair “Stonehenge” bench, brown plastic folding chair, faux bois chair with bone faux fur, Adirondack-style 1990s high chair, Shaker one-step stool, Charles Rennie Mackintosh “Hill House”-style chair, walnut faux fur chair, Staples “Westcliffe” bonded leather computer chair, kneeling chair, rust brown recliner, antique horn chair, antique child’s rocking chair, bone chair, milking stool. Dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann, Radical Centrist, 2022, installation view, Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Benjamin Moore “Bone White” (OC-143), relief lettering, white IKEA curtain rods, bone-colored “Hilton” satin curtains, bone-colored ribbons. Dimensions variable. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
Henrike Naumann: Re-Education, installation view, SculptureCenter, New York, 2022. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Charles Benton
