The student council of the Dresden University of Fine Arts (HfBK) has distanced itself from acts of vandalism against an exhibition by artist Holger John, but expressed understanding for the protests as a sign of frustration with opaque decisions by the university administration. The exhibition, which runs until Sunday, has been repeatedly targeted: bicycle locks blocked the entrance gate, a poster was damaged, and a protest sign was hung. The university filed a criminal complaint against unknown persons. The controversy stems from images shown at the vernissage depicting John with Rammstein singer Till Lindemann, who faced serious allegations in 2023 (later dropped).
The student council stresses that the criticism is not solely about John's ties to Lindemann, but primarily about the lack of transparency and communication by rector Oliver Kossack, who approved the exhibition without consulting students. Students have reported experiencing John's behavior as sexist and boundary-crossing. The council holds the university leadership responsible for addressing these concerns, arguing the exhibition contradicts the school's mission statement. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between student bodies and administrative decision-making at German art schools, particularly around issues of accountability and institutional trust.