"Why German University Students in Kassel Took to the Streets Saying 'I Am the Statue of a Girl'"

Kassel University 'Statue of Peace' Forced Removal Protest
Guerrilla Performance Wearing Statue of Peace Masks

At the University of Kassel in Germany, the Peace Statue 'Nujin' was suddenly removed, prompting students and citizens of Kassel University to protest.

Students from Kassel University wearing "I am the Statue of a Girl" masks in a protest.
[Photo by Kassel University Art Department · Yonhap News]

According to Yonhap News Agency, on the 2nd (local time), about 50 Kassel University students and citizens gathered at Kassel Central Station wearing masks of the statue. They wore T-shirts with the phrases "Where is Nujin?" and "Save Nujin" and held placards with the same messages, shouting "Save Nujin."

To reclaim the Peace Statue, those who identified themselves as the statue marched through the city center for about two hours, starting from Central Station and passing through K?nigsplatz and City Hall.

Students of Kassel University wearing "I am the Statue of a Girl" masks in a protest.
[Photo by the Department of Fine Arts, Kassel University · Yonhap News]

Kory, an art student at Kassel University who co-planned the event, said, "We were shocked by the sudden removal of the Peace Statue erected by students at Kassel University, so we held a workshop about the statue within the art department." He explained, "The performance included students who participated in the workshop, the student council, citizens who gather every Wednesday at the spot where Nujin stood, and Korean-Germans."

He added, "When citizens saw the performance, some joined in walking, others said the masks looked cool and asked for one, and when we explained what it was about, they sympathized, saying they did not understand the university's unfair actions, which gave us great strength. Through the statue, we wanted to raise awareness not only about Korean history but also about war crimes against women currently happening in places like Ukraine and Afghanistan."

At this workshop, Lee Dan, a Kassel University graduate artist, proposed wearing masks like V from 'V for Vendetta' to represent the statue. Participants made paper masks resembling the statue and wore them together.

Lee Dan explained, "The Peace Statue was suddenly removed, but it did not become a big issue, so we planned this performance to show that we are all the statue and to expand awareness through participation."

Kassel University students plan to continue various forms of guerrilla performances both inside and outside the school.

Students of Kassel University wearing "I am the Statue of a Girl" masks in a protest.
[Photo by the Department of Fine Arts, Kassel University · Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, in July last year, the Kassel University Student Council permanently installed the Peace Statue in the newly built park in front of the Student Council building, coinciding with the world-renowned international contemporary art exhibition Documenta in Kassel. This was the first installation on a German university campus. The Student Council passed a resolution in the student parliament to permanently preserve the statue and obtained permission from the university to use the site.

However, the University of Kassel later demanded the removal of the statue, citing the expiration of the exhibition permit after Documenta ended. When students refused, the statue was suddenly removed without any notice on March 8.