Exterra XX

The women’s art group Exterra XX germinated in Erfurt in 1984. With enthusiasm, creativity and brainstorming, Exterra XX became the first art group in the GDR to transcend the underground and reach a broader public. The intention of Exterra XX was the advancement of female artistic expression and the exploration of female archetypes – articulated in independent art projects encompassing Super-8 films, fashion-object shows and, later, performances.

Despite penalties and resistance from the state, the group asserted their unconventional zest for life in shows involving costumes, poetry, fashion, painting and music. From the isolation and loneliness of artistic expression conducted without compromise or fear of one’s self or the external circumstances of a repressive dictatorship, a unique phenomenon arose which, under the conditions of everyday life in the GDR and with unbridled and unconditional creativity, fuelled the self-empowerment of the female artists involved.