In spring 2020, Zino Peterek conceived the idea for his photo series "Racist Traces" following the racist terrorist attack in Hanau and other significant events, such as the murder of George Floyd and the "Black Lives Matter" protests in Germany. He embarked on a search for traces, visiting locations tied to racism or hatred, including a desecrated concentration camp memorial, former NSU crime scenes, and sites connected to German colonial history. Peterek aimed to translate these historical traces into a contemporary context, making the impact of racism on everyday life palpable. By listening to the lived experiences of those affected by racism, he sought to give voice to their stories. Peterek underscores that individuals who have never experienced racism often fail to grasp the profound consequences of seemingly mundane, discriminatory actions.
As the curator of "Racist Traces," I handled the organization and coordination of the exhibition at Büsingpark in Offenbach. This involved communicating with the city of Offenbach and ensuring a seamless collaboration between Zino Peterek and local stakeholders. I facilitated the exhibition's narrative, ensuring the sensitive themes were thoughtfully presented and accessible to a wide audience.
Graphic Design by Anne Katharina Krieger
Exhibition Design by Emil Glock
Photographs by Zino Peterek
Speech by Hibba Tun-Noor Kauser