Interview with Johanna Baumgart by Bettina Pelz.
Published on 16 JUN 2025.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us something about your artistic background?
My name is Johanna and I’m an artist currently studying fine arts at the HfK. I’ve always used visual language as a means of expression. Influenced by my personal political values and the understanding of power relations in society that I gained in my sociology studies, I’m especially interested in the forces that shape social structures. In my studies, I focus on exploring how these theoretical debates can be translated and visualized in both space and image. This interdisciplinary approach allows me to connect conceptual and social issues with visual art forms.
What themes or questions do you generally deal with in your artistic work?
The central themes in my artistic work are strongly influenced by a politically committed perspective. Issues of social justice and my own personal values play a significant role in shaping the conceptual framework of my pieces. My focus can be approached from different viewpoints, but it is usually driven by a personal, politically motivated interest. Currently, I am particularly interested in rethinking urban living and exploring how urban spaces can be designed to be inclusive and accessible for everyone.
How did you get involved in the FOOTNOTES project and what attracted you to take part?
As part of a class, we developed the concept for FOOTNOTES together with you, Bettina. Even in the early planning phase, it was important to us to show not only our own works, but also works by other artists on the theme of FOOTNOTES.
I particularly liked this decision because it allows for a variety of perspectives and a multifaceted dialogue. For me personally, the project offers a new experience: I’m not only active as an artist, but also as a curator, and together with the others, we are presenting art in public space. I find this new role very exciting and I am looking forward to our joint result.
In general, I find it important and enriching to show art outside the classic ‘white cube’ situation such as museums and galleries. In public spaces, art reaches a broad and diverse audience and can inspire people who otherwise have little contact with art. In this way, the project can help to break up the exclusivity of the art scene—an approach that I personally like.
What is your contribution to FOOTNOTES?
I collaborated in developing the concept for FOOTNOTES and curated the artworks for the exhibition, alongside the other participants in the EXHIBIT class. In the exhibition, I’m also presenting one of my own works. Additionally, in the context of my work, I’ll be leading an open exchange on experimental thinking and the reimagining of urban space on Thursday evening.
How does your work relate to FOOTNOTES?
My work shows hostile architecture in various forms and with it the strategic exclusion of marginalized groups from public space. It draws attention to how these often subtle design elements — such as uncomfortably small or rounded benches — make it difficult to linger and subtly influence who feels welcome in the city and how people behave in urban spaces. At first glance, hostile architecture is something that most people don’t notice, as it doesn’t directly affect their daily lives. However, for those who experience it, it becomes a powerful, almost invisible force that determines who can use urban space. The work aims to make these hidden mechanisms visible and to encourage reflection on how public space is organized and for whom.
What would be help to make the local media art scene even more attractive ?
I believe that, above all, we should facilitate access to media art for a wider audience. That’s why I think it’s important to show media art outside of museums and galleries, for example in public spaces or in open, non-commercial venues. Also There are now so many empty spaces in cities and I think it would be very exciting to work in/with them.
At the same time, there should also be a greater focus on art mediation, for example through more open guided tours or interactive workshops, so that visitors can better experience the works.
In addition, a greater exchange with national and international artists in the art scene could support new impulses and diverse perspectives.