Exhibition "Tirailleurs: Trials and Tribulations" opens on 20.3.
25.2.2026
Tirailleurs: Trials and Tribulations
From Cannon Fodder to Avant-Garde–The Forgotten Soldiers Who Freed Europe
Exhibition and Research Project
21 March–14 June, Opening: Fri., 20 March
We cordially invite you to our press preview on 20 March, at 12:00. Please register at: presse@hkw.de
On 15 August 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron invited the world to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied landing in Provence that followed the Normandy invasion and was pivotal to liberating France and Europe from Nazi Germany. The ceremony highlighted an often-overlooked truth: the majority of the 250,000 troops in the so-called B Army were African soldiers who, according to Le Monde, ‘came from the colonies’. These young Tirailleurs played an active role in the liberation of France from Nazi Germany, while many others hailing from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Oceania, and beyond were integral to the reshaping of Europe’s future and its institutions. Yet, their contributions have been systematically marginalized. While commemorative gestures, such as inviting African leaders to anniversary events, attempt to recognize their sacrifice, this history remains politically co-opted, under-researched, and unknown to many people, especially in Germany today.
In 2026, HKW seeks to address this gap with a wide-ranging programme that considers the role of the Tirailleurs in liberating France from Nazi Germany, how their efforts contributed to the liberation of Germany itself, and their impact on securing peace in Europe post-1945.
The exhibition brings together works by more than thirty international artists across generations, including fourteen new commissions. It also features the presentation of archival materials, research from five different art spaces and collectives, as well as film screenings. Together, these contributions underscore the persistent relevance of the history of the Tirailleurs for artists, film-makers, and cultural practitioners.
With works by
Kader Attia, Yassine Balbzioui, Kathleen Bomani, Halida Boughriet, Tiffany Chung, Binta Diaw, Godfried Donkor, Juan-Pedro Fabra Guemberena, Abrie Fourie, Othon Friesz, Pélagie Gbaguidi, Nadia Kaabi-Linke, Daniel Lind-Ramos, Anguezomo Nzé Mba Bikoro, Mónica de Miranda, Oscar Ngu Atanga, Tuấn Andrew Nguyễn, Josèfa Ntjam, Mario Pfeifer, Slavs and Tatars, El Hadji Sy, Pascale Marthine Tayou, Dior Thiam, Barthélémy Toguo, Félix Vallotton, Francisco Vidal, Hana Yoo
Presenting films by
Rachid Bouchareb, Dalila Ennadre, Oumarou Ganda, Grégoire Georges-Picot, Idrissou Mora-Kpai, Kollo Daniel Sanou, Philip Scheffner, Ousmane Sembène & Thierno Faty Sow, Tony T. & Rebecca Goldstone, Futuru C.L. Tsai, Mathieu Vadepied
Research collaboration with
Alice Yard, Port of Spain
Ancrages, Marseille
Cinémathèque de Tanger, Tanger
Hide and Seek Audiovisual Art, Taipei
Raw Material Company. Center for Art, Knowledge and Society, Dakar
Opening Weekend Fri., 20–Sun., 22 March
An expansive opening weekend programme features artist talks, guided tours, panel discussions, performances, and screenings. The weekend kicks off musically with a concert by singer/songwriter Cheikh Lô. On Sunday, as part of Afrodiaspora – Composing While Black, cellist, singer and composer Abel Selaocoe performs with his band Bantu Ensemble.
Press photos: hkw.de/tirailleurs/press-photos
More Information: hkw.de/tirailleurs
Partner
Tirailleurs: Trials and Tribulations is part of heimaten, supported by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media due to a ruling of the German Bundestag.
Funded by the Federal Agency for Civic Education (Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung / bpb). With the support of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation – French Delegation as part of the partnerships designed to support the Portuguese artistic scene in European institutions. With the generous support of the Tanoto Art Foundation (TAF).
Media Partners: Monopol Magazin, tipBerlin
Visit Information
Opening Times
Wed.–Mon. 12:00–19:00
Free entry on Mondays and the first Sunday of every month (5 April, 3 May, and 7 June), as well as during the opening weekend (20–22 March) and closing weekend (13–14 June).
Childcare with programme
HKW offers free childcare for many of its programmes. For further information visit hkw.de
Current information about visiting and accessibility.
Weltwirtschaft Restaurant is open daily from 12:00.
Contact
Maxie Fischer
Head of Press and Communications
Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW)
John-Foster-Dulles-Allee 10 10557
Berlin
T: + 49 (0) 30 397 87 413