A double exhibition, “Thomas Nast-Fighters for democracy and Equality” and “Democracy Acceptance variety-photo campaign in the Südliche Weinstrasse district,” is currently on display in Landau, in front of the Southern Weinstrasse district governance building. District Administrator Dietmar Seefeldt formally opened the exhibition on june 4th at 6 p.m., and the public is invited to view the works.

“The exhibits are very different,but in the core the photo banners and caricatures both treat democracy and emphasize their special value for our society. That is why we show the exhibitions at the same time.”

District Administrator Dietmar Seefeldt

Gudrun Stübinger-Kohls and Hans-Joachim Schatz presented the exhibition “Thomas Nast-fighter for democracy and equality“, while Prof. Dr. Ulrich Sarcinelli introduced the exhibition “Democracy Acceptance variety-photo campaign in the Südliche Weinstrasse district”. Dr. Dominik Geißler, Mayor of the City of Landau in the Palatinate, gave a welcoming address.Musical accompaniment was provided by pupils from the Southern Weinstrasse district music school.

Following the opening, the exhibitions are on view until July 11th in the district house from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. The photo exhibition in the open air is accessible at all times.

The Photo campaign

More than 200 individuals were photographed as a visible sign of support for democracy in the Kreishaus Südliche Weinstraße, all seven community administrations in the district, and the premises of the Sparkasse Südpfalz.participants took part in the “Democracy – Acceptance – Diversity” campaign by photographer Thomas Brenner.Each person was photographed in front of a white canvas, representing their stance on the importance of democracy. The images are displayed on large banners in the outdoor area of the southern Weinstrasse district house. The campaign aims to encourage people to show their faces without fear of exclusion or discrimination, promoting a clear democratic attitude in everyday life and political participation.

The Thomas Nast Caricatures

Thomas Nast, born in Landau, is considered the founder of American political image journalism. Many of his symbols remain relevant today, including the Democratic donkey, the Republican elephant, and the allegorical figures of “Uncle Sam” and “Columbia.” Nast used striking stylistic devices to comment on complex political processes. His drawings advocating for democracy and equality are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Approximately 40 caricatures are on display in the Kreishaus Südliche Weinstraße for the duration of the exhibition.

“The exhibits are very different…[they] both treat democracy and emphasize their special value for our society.”

Understanding Democracy and Political Imagery