1968: Era of Protest
1968. The Uncomfortable Time
As part of a series on the artistic legacy of the turbulent year 1968, the Academy of Arts in Berlin is displaying Michael Ruetz's photography from the era. His lively, yet poignant images from demonstrations personalize the social struggle in West Germany. The exhibition, entitled "1968. The Uncomfortable Time," runs through July 27, 2008.
Solidarity
Students gathered at the Freie Universitaet in West Berlin on June 3, 1967, following the unexplained death of pacifist Benno Ohnesorg in a demonstration the previous day. The poster reads, "Today Ohnesorg, Tomorrow Us."
Incognito
A policeman hides his face during the June 3, 1967, protest march following the death of Benno Ohnesorg.
Golden Halo
Activist Rudi Dutschke held a speech at the Freie Universitaet in West Berlin on Oct. 20, 1967, in preparation for a protest against the Vietnam War. He was shot in the head and chest in April the following year, but survived the assassination attempt.
Anti-Protest
The DGB labor union, Axel Springer publishing house and the Berlin Senate demonstrated on John F. Kennedy Square in West Berlin on Feb. 21, 1968, in response to previous anti-Vietnam War protests.
For All Ages
Young and old joined in the May 12, 1968, demonstration in Bonn against the planned emergency act. Passed just a few days later, the act restricted constitutional rights in times of national emergency.
Sitting Scholar
Students had taken control of the rector's office at the Freie Universitaet in West Berlin on June 27, 1968.
Prague Autumn
Socialists march down Wenceslas Square in central Prague on Aug. 25, 1968, days after Soviet troops occupied Czechoslovakia.
Folk Dance
The APO, or "extra-parliamentary opposition," demonstrated in formation in the Wedding district of West Berlin on May 1, 1969.
For Quiet Skies
Demonstrators protest the noise caused by low flight exercises near the military airport in Hunsrueck, West Germany on July 11, 1969.
Artists Box
Joseph Beuys (left) and Abraham David Christian box at the Documenta V art exhibition in Kassel, West Germany on Oct. 8, 1972. The art world deemed that year's exhibition the intellectually most brilliant one in Documenta history. Its curator was Switzerland's Harald Szeemann.