Not an Extra
Art exhibition for the 70th anniversary of Berlin Tierpark

The project “Not an Extra” is dedicated to re-evaluating the Berlin Tierpark – not only as a zoological park, but as a cultural institution that emerged from contradictions and historical polarization.


Through a series of visual works and texts, the exhibition presents visitors with ten central narratives – from the park’s founding in the GDR to its current existence as part of Berlin’s unified cultural memory.


Each work tells its own story, based on real animal biographies, archival documents, oral histories, and urban legends. At the same time, each of these stories serves as a metaphor that highlights broader themes: acceptance, identity, collaboration, and the overcoming and transformation of memory.


We invite you on a fascinating journey through the history of the zoo – via the QR code, you can access articles, the full concept text, as well as the English and Russian versions.


Leave your feedback on the project or share your personal story about the Tierpark – the author of a selected story will receive a family ticket to the Tierpark!

Jenia Yanes
Kuratorin
Jenia Yanes is a curator, cultural strategist, and digital educator based in Berlin, specializing in socially engaged projects and cross-platform communication. Her work addresses cultural memory, shifting identities, and the role of art in societal discourse. Since 2020, her projects have been presented in official cultural institutions and as part of city-wide festivals, including the International Week 2024, with the support of official Berlin cultural organizations. She has been invited as a media partner for initiatives such as Creative World Frankfurt and Berlin Art Week. Through her platform @artyanes, Yanes develops alternative formats for curatorial practice and shares educational content on art and curating with an international community of over 50,000 readers.
Catalog
Text Authors:
Lisa Rentsch, Yana Kaziulia, Konstantin Resuew, Nikolai Pavlov, Anna Khromova, Jenia Yanes
Coordinator: Tasha Podkas
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