Frida Orupabo, Omega, 2021 © Frida Orupabo, Foto: Carl Hendrik Tillberg, Courtesy: Frida Orupabo und Nordenhake Berlin / Stockholm / Mexiko City

Talking bodies

Editor Gretta Bott

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This exhibition is shocking and makes us think about body images, racism and ignorance in advertising.

The "Talking Bodies" exhibition at the Museum für Gestaltung shows a huge selection of posters from over 100 years of advertising history. It is graphically interesting, but not only. The focus is on the representation of bodies and our reception of these representations over the course of time.

Whoever enters the room is probably overwhelmed at first. The room is covered in posters. They grin at visitors from all sides. And it almost seems as if someone has printed out our daily - conscious and unconscious - advertising consumption and pinned it to the wall.

The exhibition at the Museum für Gestaltung does not judge. That is left to the viewer. And so astonished looks, shaking heads or even horror are not uncommon during the visit. The main focus is on the European and therefore white view of the environment and our fellow human beings. And on closer inspection, many questions quickly arise: should adverts be viewed and excused in the context of their history? Which stereotypes applied in 1923, 1969 or today? Why do many adverts show young, white women? Why are old people always depicted as frail and what does a shoe polish have to do with a black child? Who is responsible for advertising? Does the audience also have a say by consuming even though the adverts are cruel (the Benetton advert from the 1990s, which used shocking press images of corpses and massively overloaded refugee ships, is used as an example here)?

"Talking Bodies" stimulates discussion. After just five minutes, me and my companion are already discussing the posters and various exhibits or getting into conversation with other guests at an interactive station where visitors learn about Instagram censorship.

Duration: approx. 1.5 to 2 hours

For: The exhibition is exciting for everyone, but of course especially for people who work in marketing. The exhibition can also be done with children, but they should definitely be accompanied, as there are discriminating and shocking images on display.

Tip: It's nicer to discuss with two or more people.

Published from Gretta Bott on January 11, 2024.