SALOMÉ 70

On the occasion of Salomé's 70th birthday, Galerie Deschler is presenting an exhibition celebrating the groundbreaking work of this extraordinary artist. Salomé (whose real name is Wolfgang Ludwig Cihlarz) is regarded as one of the most significant representatives of the free-spirited and diverse generation that profoundly shaped the wild West Berlin of the 1970s and 80s. His works reflect the energetic and rebellious punk atmosphere that defined Berlin during that era. His art and courageous advocacy for freedom and tolerance have greatly contributed to shaping the Berlin of today—a city known worldwide for its openness and diversity.

The exhibition "SALOMÉ 70" serves as a reminder that the achievements regarding gender equality and sexual diversity are the result of a long and courageous struggle. The current generation, which often views itself as the inventor of the concept of "diversity," is rarely aware of how deeply rooted this movement is in the past. However, Salomé and his contemporaries laid the foundation for this in the 1970s and 80s. In a time when §175 (of the German Penal Code) still criminalized homosexuality—it wasn’t abolished until 1994!—he fought fearlessly and emphatically for a society that honors freedom, tolerance, and sexual self-determination as fundamental values. His art and performances, including those with his punk band "Geile Tiere" (Horny Animals), were not only expressions of his own personality but also acts of resistance against outdated social constraints and prejudices—a bold plea for individuality and against conformity. With his provocative outfits and iconic performances, he forced society to confront issues such as gender, identity, and freedom.