Magical performance: Mehtap Baydu transforms Kunsthalle Baden-Baden!

Magical performance: Mehtap Baydu transforms Kunsthalle Baden-Baden!

In the Kunsthalle Baden-Baden, a fascinating chapter is currently being opened in contemporary art. The German-Kurdish artist Mehtap Baydu opened its exhibition on July 8, 2025, which not only captivates with an impressive performance, but also deals with deep topics such as migration, identity and gender roles. Her performance, which addresses the symbolic call for rain, brings a central element of Yazidi culture - the peacock - into play. This animal stands for help, renewal and transformation and gives the event a special grade.

Baydu, which saw the light of day in Bingöl, Turkey in 1972 and now lives and works in Berlin, uses various media to create the connection between individual experience and collective memories. In her work, it not only illuminates culturally shaped gender images and their change, but also the importance of objects and symbols in different cultures. The curator Sandeep Sodhi emphasizes how poetically Baydus processes political issues.

insight into the exhibition

The exhibition "Let your rain rain (Kendi Yağmurunu Yağdırmak)" gathers both new and older works by the artist. The highlights include two glass sculptures that represent their body and a section of their chest. In this work, the fascination between closeness and distance is discussed. Another exciting point is Baydus Installation, in which visitors can pour water over a turquoise blanket with a peacock motif. This unique interaction invites you to deal with your own emotional wishes and memories.

Baydu also brings the fictional figure "Osman" to the stage, which is embodied as a guest worker of the 1960s and questions common stereotypical role models. Her work "Kokon", which consists of the shirts of men she has met in her life, is further evidence of her artistic expression and her ability to play with memories.

an interactive experience

The performances of Baydu create spaces for intimate experiences and symbolic actions. It actively invites the audience to take part in their performances and deal with topics such as visibility, vulnerability and solidarity. The questions dealt with in their art are uncompromising and interweave personal and political concerns.

If you want to learn more about Baydus works or just to be inspired, you have the opportunity until September 14th. This exhibition is an important contribution to the contemporary art scene of Baden-Württemberg and at the same time offers a cultural exchange that goes far beyond the borders of art.

The Kunsthalle Baden-Baden, which is used as an interim venue for the Baden State Museum after the departure of the director duo Çağla Ilk and Misal Adnan Yildiz, shows Baydus an important step into the future of the regional art scene. The artist deals with sensitive topics that burn many people under the nails and leaves space for reflection and dialogue.