DYSTOPIA at Schloss Sacrow: Art, War Experience, and the Present in Dialogue
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DYSTOPIA at Schloss Sacrow: A Summer Between Visual Power and Critique of Time
With DYSTOPIA. Wolfgang Petrick & friends, Schloss Sacrow opens a profound resonance space for painting, sculpture, and installation as part of the Museum for a Summer series. The exhibition brings together the work of the artist Wolfgang Petrick, who passed away in 2025, complemented by positions from HELMA and other companions. Curated by Michael M. Thoss, this art experience reveals the vulnerability of humanity in a threatened world. ([spsg.de](https://www.spsg.de/aktuelles/ausstellung/dystopia))
An Artist Between War Experience and New Figuration
Wolfgang Petrick is one of the defining voices of Critical Realism and New Figuration in Germany. His biography is closely tied to the experiences of the end of the war, youth in West Berlin, and a turbulent 20th century. As a student, he was influenced by Otto Dix, George Grosz, Max Beckmann, Jean Dubuffet, and James Ensor; later, he co-founded Großgörschen 35, participated in documenta 6 in 1976, and taught as a professor at the Berlin University of the Arts from 1975 to 2007. The Academy of Arts lists him as a member and documents his significant position in post-war art. ([spsg.de](https://www.spsg.de/aktuelles/ausstellung/dystopia))
Dystopian Images, Physical Fragility, and Expressive Materiality
The uniqueness of Petrick's work lies in the combination of political awareness and intense imagery. His paintings, sculptures, and installations revolve around fears of war, disfigurement, mechanical beings, and human injury. At Schloss Sacrow, this world of images is experienced as concentrated viewing of works: as a tension between beauty and unrest, between historical architecture and contemporary art critique. The exhibition shows how Petrick's art reacts to destructive civilization patterns even in his late work. ([spsg.de](https://www.spsg.de/aktuelles/ausstellung/dystopia))
Schloss Sacrow as an Atmospheric Exhibition Venue
Schloss Sacrow itself carries the aura of a special place. The house is located at Krampnitzer Straße 33 in Potsdam, is used as an event venue in summer, and is shaped by the landscape of the Potsdam Havellauf. Opening hours, public transport directions, a public parking lot at the entrance of Sacrow, and the note on limited accessibility provide visitors with reliable guidance. The exhibition spaces are not wheelchair accessible. ([spsg.de](https://www.spsg.de/schloesser-gaerten/objekt/schloss-sacrow))
What Visitors Can Expect in Summer 2026
The exhibition runs from July 4 to September 13, 2026. The audience will experience a concentrated, visually powerful exhibition with works by Wolfgang Petrick, HELMA, and other artists of various generations. Admission is free for those under 18; the regular admission fee is 10 euros, and reduced admission is 6 euros. For art enthusiasts, this creates a visit that is both sensual and intellectual, bringing contemporary art, museum education, and art history into an intense dialogue. ([spsg.de](https://www.spsg.de/aktuelles/ausstellung/dystopia))
Conclusion: DYSTOPIA at Schloss Sacrow is an exhibition for everyone who wants to experience art as a reflection on the present, body, and society. Those who appreciate expressive painting, installation art, and art historically grounded themes should firmly plan to visit this summer. ([spsg.de](https://www.spsg.de/aktuelles/ausstellung/dystopia))
Official Channels of Schloss Sacrow / SPSG:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SPSGmuseum/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPSGmuseum
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/spsgmuseum
- Website: https://www.spsg.de/schloesser-gaerten/objekt/schloss-sacrow
