Name: Made Men. Bodies, Gesture, Habitus of Masculine Imagery
Start: 2026-05-17T13:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-05-17T21:00:00+02:00
Location: Dieselkraftwerk

Made Men at BLMK: An Artistic Experience on Body Images, Power, and Staging

At the Brandenburg State Museum for Modern Art in the Diesel Power Plant Cottbus, the exhibition Made Men. Bodies, Gesture, Habitus of Masculine Imagery provides a precise perspective on the portrayal of masculinity since the Weimar era. Selected works from the collections of painting, drawing, graphic design, and poster art trace how body images have asserted, formed, and shifted over time.

How Images Shape Masculinity

The exhibition unfolds its impact where gestures, postures, and habitus become visible. Between realistic imagery, graphical intensification, and striking approaches, a multifaceted exploration of role models, discipline, work, authority, and fragility emerges. The artistic experience invites visitors to read art history not as a distant sequence of styles but as a living analysis of societal order.

Collection, Context, and Art Historical Depth

BLMK has an exceptionally large collection of art from the GDR and following lines of tradition. With over 45,000 works, the collection is one of the most important references for modern and contemporary art in Eastern Germany. In this context, the exhibition gains particular authority: it situates masculine imagery between political demands, cultural influences, and individual experiences.

A Museum That Invites Close Observation

The Diesel Power Plant Cottbus, with its clear architecture and well-lit exhibition spaces, offers a place where painting and graphics can unfold their narrative and emotional power. The areas accessible by elevator support an open museum visit. Those who appreciate art education, cultural learning, and aesthetic experience will find here an exhibition that promises substantial insights.

Conclusion

Made Men promises a concentrated, smart, and sensually rich exhibition on the visual history of masculinity. Visitors experience a display that intricately weaves together art, society, and history. A visit to BLMK is particularly worthwhile for anyone wishing to encounter current art historical questions in a strong museum setting.