Exhibition Dispoara”: Art against expulsion and persecution in Homburg!

Exhibition Dispoara”: Art against expulsion and persecution in Homburg!

Peter Spiegel, an 81-year-old artist, presents an impressive exhibition in the Homburg district office entitled “Dispoara”, which means expulsion and dispersal. This exhibition draws inspiration from the dark chapters of history, including the visit to the Buchenwald concentration camp and the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This date not only has a special cultural connection, but also serves as a framework for the profound themes of the exhibition. In addition, rheinpfalz.de reports that the works can be seen until November 7, 2023.

With its 26 works of art, which are presented in a creative “Petersburg hanging”, Spiegel shows various facets of persecution and threats, especially towards Jewish people. About half of these works depict the Star of David, a symbol deeply rooted in Jewish culture. The reliefs were made from archaic materials such as jute, sisal and clay and impressively express the dark theme through their muted colors. But amidst this heaviness there are also rays of hope: bright elements, such as mirrors and gold decorations, create hope for a glimpse of a happier future.

A central work of art and diverse themes

A central piece of the exhibition is the gold-plated “portal,” which symbolizes a positive perspective. In further reliefs, Spiegel addresses the role of women in Islam through an “anonymous portrait”. A work honoring the Hamas hostages is also depicted in the form of a white and black figure. In the center of the wall is the relief “torn land”, which represents Israel and thus makes the disunity and challenges to identity tangible.

The exhibition also includes works that symbolize destruction and loss, including “Desolate and Empty” and a relief depicting a destroyed window. This diversity challenges visitors to think about the dark sides of humanity and to reflect on the meaning of art in times of crisis.

Vernissage and registration

The opening will take place on October 7th at 6 p.m. The speakers include District Administrator Frank John, curator Jutta Schwan and Peter Spiegel himself. Visitors should register in advance due to access restrictions. The exhibition is open from Monday to Thursday between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

In recent years, artists have often tried to highlight human dignity and cultural heritage through their work. A particular source of inspiration are the reports of artists who created art under extreme conditions during the Holocaust. These works, which often serve as a protest against inhumane conditions and as a documentation of humanity during the darkest times in history, demonstrate the power of creativity in confronting suffering and loss. According to yadvashem.org, many portraits created during this period embody the relentless fight against dehumanization and forgetting.

The exhibition “Dispoara” can therefore be viewed not only as an art show, but also as a true-to-life reflection on history and humanity, which has not been extinguished in the darkest hours.