TBA21 Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary

Christoph Schlingensief

Christoph Schlingensief (1960–2010) was a German filmmaker, theatre director, performance artist, and political provocateur whose work blurred the lines between art, activism, and media spectacle. Emerging from the underground film scene in the 1980s, Schlingensief gained prominence with his 'Germany Trilogy'—a series of films that satirized German history and identity. His 1989 film *100 Jahre Adolf Hitler – Die letzte Stunde im Führerbunker* (100 Years of Adolf Hitler – The Last Hour in the Führerbunker) is a notable example of his confrontational style.

In the 1990s, Schlingensief transitioned to theatre, directing provocative productions at the Volksbühne in Berlin. His works often addressed political and social issues, challenging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths. In 1998, he founded the satirical political party 'Chance 2000,' encouraging citizens to 'vote for yourself,' reflecting his critique of the political establishment.

Schlingensief's engagement with opera began in 2004 when he staged Richard Wagner's *Parsifal* at the Bayreuth Festival. His interpretation was controversial, incorporating contemporary themes and challenging traditional conventions. In his later years, he focused on international projects, including the Opera Village Africa in Burkina Faso, aiming to create a cultural and educational hub in a rural setting.

Schlingensief's legacy continues to influence contemporary art and theatre. His works are held in various collections, and his impact is commemorated through exhibitions and retrospectives. For more information on his life and work, you can visit his official website: https://schlingensief.com

Related works in the collection

Christoph Schlingensief
Animatograph-Iceland-Edition. (House of Parliament/House of Obsession) Destroy Thingvellir, 2005

Christoph Schlingensief
Animatograph-Namibia-Edition. (Utgard - The African Twintowers), 2005

Christoph Schlingensief
Cello TV, 2008

Christoph Schlingensief
Hase Fett, 2008

Christoph Schlingensief
Manaus, 2007

Christoph Schlingensief
stahlweg I-XII, 2006

Figura cuncta videntis: the all-seeing eye. Homage to Christoph Schlingensief
Verlag der Buchhandlung Walther König, 2010

Puppets and Heavenly Creatures
June 4–September 9, 2005 |TBA21, Vienna

Thyssen Bornemisza Art Contemporary – The Collection Book
Verlag der Buchhandlung Walther König, 2009

Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary: The Commissions Book
Sternberg Press, 2020