Polina Stohnushko, Intervention DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR?, 2025, Berlin, Video: Ewan Waddell
DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR?
On February 22, this intervention took place directly beside the Brandenburg Gate — one of Europe’s most politically and symbolically charged landmarks. Once a site of historical division, later a symbol of reunification, and now a stage for contemporary struggles, it invited the public to confront a fundamental question: DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR?
The intervention occurred one day before the elections in Germany and two days before the anniversary of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It was conceived to address the local public at a critical political moment, grounding the question in both urgency and shared responsibility. A 22-meter-long banner, installed directly in view of oncoming traffic, demanded attention — cars and pedestrians stopped at the red light had no choice but to face the message
Although the question is rooted in the artist’s personal and political struggle, its reach extends far beyond. It calls on each of us to reflect: what is worth fighting for — whether personal or collective, intimate or political? In a time of escalating polarization and the global rise of authoritarian violence, democratic values are increasingly under threat. The unthinkable is becoming normalized. While it might feel easier to turn away, this question insists we look — because indifference is no longer an option. We all bear collective responsibility. Democracy, freedom, and human dignity are not guaranteed; they must be defended
The making of the intervention became a fight in itself. It took months of negotiation - with ministries and police. On the day of the execution, harsh winds nearly tore the banner apart, and it was only through the collective effort of all participants, who stood together and held it in place, that the intervention remained. That moment became a symbol in itself: only together can we uphold what truly matters
During the intervention, pedestrians were invited to share their reflections. Despite the fragmentation and segregation shaping today’s societies, these encounters revealed fundamental values that continue to unite us: the pursuit of freedom, justice, and shared humanity. In a hyper-individualised and competitive world, where division often dominates the narrative, this intervention stood as a poignant reminder of interconnectedness — that we share so much, and that these shared values are still worth fighting for
The intervention DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR? became the title and conceptual framework for the 100th anniversary exhibition of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. Alongside the documentation of the intervention, the exhibition featured specially designed postcards that visitors could take home. Referencing the aesthetics of traditional touristic postcards depicting the Brandenburg Gate, these cards carried the critical message into private spaces — keeping alive a question that demands to be asked long after the intervention has passed
filming: Ewan Waddell
behind-the-scenes interviews: Annina Lehmann
realized with the support of all participants who stood together: Veronika, Maria, Michael, Moritz, Emanuel, Alise, Mykhailo, Albert, Lubov, Ana, Julia, Nazar, François, Kate, Mārtiņš, Viktorija
Polina Stohnushko, Intervention DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR?, 2025, Berlin, Video: Annina Lehmann, Polina Stohnushko
Polina Stohnushko, Intervention DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR?, 2025, Berlin, Video: Annina Lehmann, Ewan Waddell
Polina Stohnushko, Intervention DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR?, 2025, Berlin, Video: Ewan Waddell
Polina Stohnushko, Intervention DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR?, 2025, Berlin, Video: Annina Lehmann, Ewan Waddell
Polina Stohnushko, Intervention DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR?, 2025, Berlin, Video: Annina Lehmann, Ewan Waddell
Polina Stohnushko, Intervention DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR?, 2025, Berlin, Video: Annina Lehmann, Ewan Waddell
Polina Stohnushko, Intervention DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR?, 2025, Berlin, Video: Annina Lehmann, Ewan Waddell
Polina Stohnushko, Intervention DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR?, 2025, Berlin, Video: Ewan Waddell
Exhibition DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR? 100 years of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, 2025, Berlin
Exhibition DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR? 100 years of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, 2025, Berlin
Polina Stohnushko, Intervention DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO FIGHT FOR?, 2025, Berlin, Video: Ewan Waddell