Art for human rights: exhibition My name is human in Dresden

Art for human rights: exhibition My name is human in Dresden

On October 15, 2025, the exhibition “My Name is Human” will open in the Color Theory Collection in Dresden. This important event shows 30 original paintings by Jochen Stankowski, which have been converted into large-format posters. The opening begins at 5:00 p.m. and Prof. Ralf Weber and Jochen Stankowski will give an introduction. The exhibition will be on view until the end of November 2025 and is accessible on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment by telephone ( tu-dresden.de reports ).

Stankowski's works are special visual interpretations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These works of art are intended to encourage viewers to engage with human rights, which should be understood as the basis of society and the benchmark for coexistence. The exhibition is in collaboration with 'Die AnStifter' and aims to make human rights visually tangible and to promote emotional feelings ( kulturkalender-dresden.de reports ).

Human rights issue

Human rights are an essential part of our coexistence and must be valued and protected from state arbitrariness and attacks. Stankowski's pictures are offerings to the senses and invite reflection on the basic principles of design. The recognition of human rights must precede their realization. The language of human rights is clear and unambiguous, even if cultural differences exist ( kulturkalender-dresden.de reports ).

The relevance of art in promoting human rights cannot be overestimated. Artists can stimulate dialogue about human rights issues and thus reach broader audiences. This form of art can help raise awareness of human rights violations and highlights the importance of protecting and upholding human rights in an increasingly challenging world ( Amnesty.de reports ).

Artists like Ai Weiwei and the group Pussy Riot actively campaign for human rights and draw attention to grievances through their works. The current social context, characterized by crises such as wars, climate change and the disregard for human rights, underlines the need for a new era in which human rights must be comprehensively thought about and reinterpreted. This shows that artists are not only part of the human rights movement, but also need to act as essential actors in society to bring about change ( Amnesty.de reports ).

Jochen Stankowski, born in 1940, has had an extensive career as a designer and artist. He studied in London and later founded the printing company in Cologne and the 'Kölner VolksBlatt'. He has lived in Dresden since 1998 and has written numerous publications. With his work he calls for a critical examination of the topic of human rights and their meaning. His exhibitions have already reached over 250,000 visitors in more than 125 cities and range from schools to libraries and town halls to cultural institutions and youth centers ( tu-dresden.de reports ).

The opening of the exhibition “My Name is Human” is not only a celebration for Stankowski, but also an opportunity for society to intensively address current issues of human rights.