Documenta was a whole atmosphere. Then a scandal killed the buzz.

As soon as a clear anti-Semitic image with added connotations of the Holocaust – a figure with a large nose, pointed teeth and side locks decorated with an “SS” cap – was spotted in a massive agitprop erected in the central square of Kassel, the integrity of the Documenta itself, working on public funds was questioned.

The incident was furiously avoided. The mural-like banner by the Indonesian band Taring Padi dates back to 2002; it depicts Indonesian political life as a great battle of oppressors, capitalists and polluters against the people with front ancestors. It rose only on Friedrichsplatz, the center of the show, at the end of the preview, during which Taring Paddy charmed visitors with hundreds of cardboard dolls in the same square and around the city.

Months before Documenta, critics made preliminary allegations, in particular that participants supported the boycott, sale and sanctions movement, which the German parliament declared anti-Semitic. Before the show was installed, the group of Palestinian artists Question of Funding was the target of vandals who invaded its exhibition space and applied graffiti.

Some vigilance can be expected in this burning climate. But from whom? The banner, which was apparently erected late because it had been restored, escaped the attention of Rouangroup, whose members apologized for failing to notice the offensive elements. Sabine Schorman, CEO of Documenta, told Der Spiegel magazine that the administrators had not checked any art in advance, out of respect for art freedom.

The job has been removed. But for the creation of Germany, this Documenta is clearly over. A series of criticisms from politicians and the media declared the entire exhibition a national disgrace, called for greater state control over future publications and demanded Schorman’s resignation. Management has already announced that despite the freedom of art, Ruangrupa must review the entire show for offensive content with the support of the Anne Frank Center in Frankfurt – by organizing a battle with artists.