Ahmet Öğüt

From Freedom Square to Freedom Square (2025)
​Intervention

Graz’s Freiheitsplatz (Freedom Square), formerly Franzensplatz (Francis Square), was twice renamed Freiheitsplatz: in 1918 and 1938. The last renaming is still valid, even if our idea of freedom has changed. For steirischer herbst ’25, Ahmet Öğüt renamed the square once again on 26 June at a ceremony in the presence of the lawyer Rahim Rastegar: from Freiheitsplatz to Freiheitsplatz.

The artist invites us to reflect on how the language of freedom has been co-opted and how it can be reimagined in solidarity with those who are still fighting for freedom.


Speeches by Ekaterina Degot and Ahmet Öğüt