Artists are often caught between the poles of self-reflection and the confrontation with social and political issues. Where concepts such as consensus and restraint are derived from a self-image committed to neutrality, the question arises as to what significance artists attach to their practice and whether the concept of the ‘autonomy of art’ can endure. In addition, this panel will shed light on how neutral art institutions are in their exhibition and collection practices. Artists Sabian Baumann and Thomas Hirschhorn will discuss the neutrality of art and institutions with provenance researcher Alice Hertzog and Kunsthaus director Katharina Ammann.

The discussion series addresses the changing significance of neutrality in the context of global politics and brings together expertise from the worlds of art, politics and science. Each event highlights a specific topic related to neutrality.