In celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Germany, Kunsthalle Dusseldorf in Germany, the Chinggis Khaan National Museum in Ulaanbaatar City, and the Arts & Media Project Management & Consulting NGO have joined forces to present an international group exhibition titled “Healing the Earth”. 

Though the exhibition marks half a century of formal diplomatic ties, the cultural connection between the two nations reaches much further back. As early as 1926, Mongolian students were already traveling to Germany to pursue education, laying the groundwork for a long-standing bond rooted in mutual respect and intellectual exchange. Today, Germany remains Mongolia’s “third neighbour”—a trusted partner beyond its immediate borders—and more than one percent of Mongolians speak German, a testament to this enduring relationship.

Inspired by the pioneering artistic philosophy of Joseph Beuys, Healing the Earth seeks to build a new cultural bridge between the ancient wisdom of Mongolia’s nomadic heritage and the diverse expressions of contemporary art. The exhibition creates a space where art becomes both a reflection of human memory and a vision for the future—a dialogue between tradition and modernity, between ecology and creativity.

Rather than separating art, politics, and theory into distinct domains, the exhibition embraces them as an interconnected continuum. It recalls the forgotten vitality and mythical energy that Beuys championed—the notion that art can be a healing force, capable of restoring the bonds between humanity and nature. Through depictions of people, animals, homes, mountains, and landscapes, the works evoke timeless images that are at once archaic and profoundly modern.

Showcasing the works of 18 contemporary artists from both countries, the exhibition will be presented in Dusseldorf and Ulaanbaatar. The participating artists include A.Javkhlan, A.Ochirbold, B.Baatarzorig, B.Munkhtsetseg, B.Nomin, Ts.Gan-Erdene, Yo.Tuguldur, Mariechen Danz, D.Otgonbayar, E.Unen, G.Gerelkhuu, Melike Kara, Claudia Mann, Carmen Schaich, Slavs & Tatars, Thomas Stricker, and Julian Westermann—explore humanity’s relationship with the planet through a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, installation, and performance.

Together, their works weave an intricate web of perspectives that invite audiences to reconsider humanity’s place in the world and question Western notions of progress and dominance. Healing the Earth asks a powerful, timely question: What kind of healing does our planet need—and who must lead it?

By bringing together artists, thinkers, and audiences from across continents, the exhibition not only celebrates five decades of friendship but also envisions a shared, sustainable future grounded in cultural dialogue and creative cooperation.