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Art Works. Memorial Art in the Field of Tension between DifferingExpectations3. Panel discussionhost: Leonie BaumannNow that numerous expectations regarding the form and content of theMemorial to the Homosexuals Persecuted under National Socialist Regimehave been expressed, some of them contradictory, the goal of the concludingpanel discussion is to debate the field of tension in which memorial artfinds itself. Dr. Christian Saehrendt of Humboldt University, Berlin, set theball rolling with a brief presentation of his thoughts on the subject.Memorial Art and Conflicting ExpectationsChristian SaehrendtThe political memorial is experiencing a renaissance as an important andchallenging structural task for contemporary artists and architects. The constructionof new state memorials is reviving what is basically an antiquated19th century concept: placing memorials with an educational purpose inpublic spaces as an expression of the authority of the state or of powerfulpolitical groups to shape discourse. Whilst the political mission assigned thememorial has barely changed, their formal language has altered dramatically.The figurative presentations executed in the naturalist and expressivetradition have long since disappeared. The departure from representationalmotifs that is so characteristic of modern memorials is supposed to offer themature viewer greater scope for interpretation, to evoke ‘inner imagery’ andencourage independent reflection. Unfortunately this shift in emphasistends to make memorials inaccessible to the uninformed or chance viewer.Memorial design is an area laden with social conflict and tightly circumscribedby the expectations and interests of the different groups it addresses.Artists expect a fair competition and an opportunity to design without inhibition.They want to see their design executed and hope it will receive publicattention and bring them further commissions. Art theorists and criticswant contemporary designs that people will find intellectually and aestheticallyconvincing and upon which they can heap praise.The state and the local authorities want a prestigious memorial thatenhances their country or city’s standing, encourages consensus, blends inwith its urban surroundings and can be promoted as an added attractionthat reaches out to specific target groups.The project’s initiators seek a memorial that fulfils high aesthetic standards,makes a clear statement and provides a suitable focus for mediapresentations and political communication. They are liable to tie theirmemorial to national recognition of their political goals, to a public acknowledgementof historical injustice and to a responsible attitude in the present.136