Everywhere colonialism and oppression has existed, facts have been altered and rewritten by those in power. An important part of acknowledging the misconstrued histories is by highlighting silenced voices. The exhibition “Power Frauen: German Women Who Dared to Dream,” curated by DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, located in Chicago, aims to accomplish this. The show consists of original artwork created by 16 local female artists. Each artist was tasked to select a remarkable woman of German or Austrian heritage and create a piece inspired by their impact. The exhibit’s description explains its intent as “celebrating their courage, innovation, and enduring impact on society”.
“Power Frauen: German Women Who Dared to Dream” exhibition poster featuring images of 14 impactful German and Austrian women along with the show’s description. Photos by Annikah Godard.
The featured historical women span decades and areas of expertise. Notable figures in the show include Amelia Earhart (aviator, author), Margarethe Schurz (educator), Sylvia Plath (novelist), and Steffi Graf (athlete). Throughout the showcase was signage providing in-depth history about the accomplishments of each woman and pivotal moments in history. Additionally, the gallery space displayed information on the current feminist politics of Germany and its societal effects. It highlighted contemporary media such as the #METOO movement, climate change, and discrimination acts.
Infographic in the exhibition providing context of some of Germany’s first women in politics and their contributions
Section of “Power Frauen” exhibition space with artwork and information about each woman that inspired the artworks
The show does an excellent job addressing the range of issues affecting women today and the positive impact that German, Austrian, and German American women have created, both current and historic.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago student Sunny Gandy had the opportunity to feature their work in the show. Clara Schuman, composer and pianist, was the important figure that Sunny highlighted in their piece.
“I chose Clara Schuman—because I grew up playing violin and Shuman’s work. I wanted to incorporate the colors of the German flag so I used a lot of reds and then I used plaid pieces that had the black and yellow. I also wanted to use different colors for the different keys because when you hear sounds, it’s just like art with painting—each sound has a different color”.
“A Piano for Clara” by Sunny Gandy, quilted fabric
By revisiting the legacies of these remarkable women, the show aligns with DANK Haus’ mission to preserve and promote German, Austrian, and German-American culture. DANK Haus plays a vital role in uniting the German-American community in Chicago by serving as a cultural hub where people can connect with their heritage, share traditions, and celebrate culture.
Section of “Power Fraun” exhibition space with artwork and information about each woman that inspired the pieces
The “Power Frauen” exhibit not only highlights the courage and creativity of German and Austrian women but also emphasizes the importance of uplifting women and honoring those who came before us. This exhibit demonstrates how art can be a powerful medium to appreciate the contributions of individuals across all fields, whether in aviation, education, literature, or sports. DANK Haus’ “Power Frauen: German Women Who Dared to Dream” will be running until September 20th, 2024.
