European elections 2019

»Wählt die Schatten weg« [Removing the shadows by going to the polls] is written on the poster that currently welcomes visitors in the foyer of the ZKM. With the appeal designed by Gunter Rambow, one of the most important designers in the field of visual communication, the ZKM draws the attention of its visitors to the upcoming European elections and encourages them to actively participate in shaping democracy.

From May 23–26, 2019, the citizens of Europe will elect a new parliament. The polling stations in Germany will open on May 26. It is probably the first European election without Great Britain in the EU. The referendum on the Brexit made it clear that membership of the European Union is not irrevocable.

On a continent where for centuries almost every state had fought against every one, the foundation of the European Union led to lasting peace and prosperity. Founded in the early 1950s as the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), it was the first supranational organization ever. But although the economy plays an important role in the EU, the EU is first and foremost a community of values based on respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights.

Democracy is taken for granted, but in practice it is increasingly at risk. The new nationalism and populist extremism, which fundamentally question the project of European integration, present the EU with major challenges. The 2019 European elections play a pivotal role for the future of the European Union. 

The ZKM calls on its visitors to stand up for the basic ideas of democracy and to decide together what kind of Europe we want to live in.

Gunter Rambow is one of the most important international graphic and photo designers. He has received numerous international awards for his frequently socially critical works and posters, including the Design Award of the International Center of Photography in 1992. Between 1974 and 1991 he taught as professor for graphic design at the Gesamthochschule Kassel, from 1991 to 2003 he held a professorship for visual communication at the Staatliche Hochschule für Gestaltung Karlsruhe. The Bibliothèque Nationale Paris, the Akademie der Künste der GDR-Berlin, the Deutsche Plakatmuseum Essen, Art Museum Shanghai and many other institutions dedicated large solo exhibitions to his work. The ZKM also presented works by the artist in the exhibition »Art in Motion. 100 Masterpieces with and through Media«.