Teresa Retzer

Photo: Felix Grünschloß

Teresa is a curator, writer, and critic with a background in art history and philosophy, having studied in Vienna, Siena, Zurich, and Basel.

Teresa’s curatorial vision centers on inclusivity, accessibility, and a forward-thinking approach to social and political issues. With a focus on media art, performance, and technologies that shape contemporary realities, she values these dynamic forms for their live, bodily experiences, which push beyond traditional, didactic museum frameworks. Her projects address themes like classism, environmental awareness, and right-wing radicalism, while also engaging with art from former authoritarian systems. Retzer envisions art spaces as responsive, inclusive environments that reflect diverse voices and offer a participatory, immediate relationship between audiences and artworks.

Over the past years, she has worked as Associate Curator at Haus der Kunst München. Previously, she held roles in the curatorial department at the ZKM | Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe and contributed to the 12th Berlin Biennial and produced the performance program at Manifesta 11. She curated independent projects in Amsterdam, Vienna, and other onternational places. Her research and critical writing have been published in scientific catalogs and journals or magazines such as Kunstforum International, MOUSSE, and Springerin. Teresa has shared her research at international conferences and frequently speaks on panels, particularly on technology-driven art and NFTs. 

Since 2017, Teresa has examined right-wing extremist subcultures in former East Germany, recognizing the necessity of making this research public through her curatorial and writing practices. She believes art can serve as a vital tool for disseminating knowledge and fostering dialogue around critical issues. By engaging broader audiences, she aims to challenge the normalization of extremism and encourage public discourse, transforming her findings into accessible, stimulating exhibitions that provoke awareness and understanding of pressing social concerns.

mail @ teresaretzer.com