Queer Ecology. Mika Rottenberg

With its new project “Queer Ecology. Mika Rottenberg”, the Lehmbruck Museum in Duisburg presents the first major exhibition of Rottenberg’s oeuvre in Germany. Rottenberg (*1976 in Argentina) is known for exploring consumption, waste and feminism in her works in a humorous and subversive manner. She artistically investigates capitalistic production conditions and the impact they can have on people, rendering them powerless and vulnerable. Featuring videos, room installations and interactive works, the exhibition includes references to significant pieces of the Duisburg Sculpture Collection by such artists as Georges Bures Miller (*1960, Canada), Rebecca Horn (1944–2024) and Jana Sterbak (*1955, Czech Republic).

How does one lead a life worth living in a capitalistic world? Where can one find modest possibilities of resistance and regeneration? While her earlier works reflected on such questions from a theoretical standpoint, Rottenberg’s more recent pieces created in her New York studio are inspired by a circular economy. Invasive creepers and discarded plastics play a prominent role in her works. The materials seem to smoothly change their appearance and take on an artificial, kitschy and destructive character. At the same time, plastic is based on ancient raw materials which can assume organic forms through the recycling process. Wielding creativity to counter environmental destruction, she transforms the material into something new and demonstrates how artificiality and nature are productively interconnected. Taken apart, shredded and reassembled, she creates lamp sculptures, for example, which resemble living organisms. In cooperation with local environmental groups, the exhibition will include an accompanying circular economy workshop modelled after Mika Rottenberg’s studio.

Artistic director: Söke Dinkla
Visual artists: Mika Rottenberg, Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller, Lynn Hershman Leeson, Rebecca Horn, Jana Sterbak

Exhibition: Lehmbruck Museum, Duisburg: 27 Sep. 2025 – 1 Mar. 2026