The immersive installation THE CAGE by Iraqi artist Fahar Al-Salih, based in Karlsruhe, consists of over 500 traditionally handcrafted birdcages. Together, they form a walk-in space measuring five meters in height and eight meters in length.
Fahar Al-Salih explores experiences of freedom and constraint, migration, and exclusion. At the same time, he raises the fundamental and existential question of how we relate to the visible and invisible “cages” that shape our lives. The installation engages in dialogue with the church space, inviting visitors to shift perspectives, reflect, and continuously experience the impact of the space in new ways.
In cooperation with the Handel Festival of the Badisches Staatstheater, THE CAGE will be inaugurated for the first time on Saturday, 7 March 2026, at 11 a.m. Visitors are invited to open a cage door—a poetic gesture of remembrance and release.
During the International Weeks Against Racism in Karlsruhe, which will be officially opened in the Stadtkirche on Sunday, 15 March 2026, at 6 p.m., THE CAGE will serve as a space for dialogue and empathy.
Fundraising Initiative: Become Part of the Artwork
Supporters can acquire one of the cages from the installation for €150 (140.19 € plus VAT), thereby joining the project and taking a stand against racism.
Each cage, as part of the overall artwork, is provided with:
- A booklet on THE CAGE
- A certificate of authenticity
Cages can be collected during the dismantling of the installation on 29 March 2026 at the Evangelische Stadtkirche Karlsruhe. More information (only in German) here.
Accompanying Program
- SOFT-OPENING: Saturday, 7 March 2026 | 11-12.30 a.m.
As part of the International Handel Festival, with patron Stefanie Patruno, Director of the Karlsruhe Art Museum, participating artists, and music by the Deutsche Händel-Solisten String Quartet and Christian-Markus Raiser, church music director, on the organ.
- Opening of the International Weeks Against Racism: Sunday, 15 March 2026 | 6-7.30 p.m.
Including Mayor Dr. Frank Mentrup, an artist talk with Fahar Al-Salih, and musical accompaniment.
- Karlsruhe Literary Society presents: Reading with Hami Nguyen: Tuesday, 17 March 2026 | 7-8.30 p.m.
In this personal book, activist and author Hami Nguyen addresses racism and class through her own life story. Anti-Asian racism is underrepresented in German discourse, as people perceived as Asian are often considered “assimilated” and rendered invisible. The stories of Vietnamese migrants in Germany have rarely been told, even though they are part of German history.
- 100% Civil Courage – Talk with Torsten Hahnel: Friday, 27 March 2026 | 7-8.30 p.m.
Civil society initiatives set clear boundaries when far-right actors attempt to normalize their views. Examples from Karlsruhe’s partner city Halle (Saale) will be discussed, followed by a conversation with Torsten Hahnel from the association Miteinander – Netzwerk für Demokratie und Weltoffenheit in Sachsen-Anhalt about ways to engage collectively. The discussion is moderated by Jutta Gemeinhardt (MiforKa) and accompanied musically by the project orchestra bunt&laut!
For the full program: https://www.thecage-stadtkirchekarlsruhe.de/events
THE CAGE is a project by Citykirche Karlsruhe (Ev. Stadtkirche), gallery owner Yvonne Hohner / Galerie Yvonne Hohner Contemporary, UNESCO City of Media Arts (Cultural Office of the City of Karlsruhe), and additional partners from culture, education, and civil society.
More information: https://www.thecage-stadtkirchekarlsruhe.de/
