Since their existence art institutions have been questioned in various ways and from a variety of perspectives. The term institutional critique is often associated with certain artists such as the US artist Andrea Fraser (*1965, Billings, Montana) or the German conceptual artist Hans Haacke (*1936, Cologne). However, other artistic positions are also relevant here, as are the activities of curators, academics and directors, who address this topic in theory and practice. An institution's staff as well as society itself is, thereby, not to be overlooked.

Can criticism be forward-looking for museums? What effect did and do particular critical voices have? Are institutions fundamentally changeable?

Amongst others, the focus will be on artists and curators such as Clémentine Deliss, Andrea Fraser, Hans Haacke, Allan Kaprow, Marysia Lewandowska, Maria Lind, Rirkrit Tiravanija and Fred Wilson.

oral exam