German domination — this time, it’s all good

4/2/2025

The world edged a little closer to discovering what art is, thanks to the German court system. At least, Germany’s Federal Court of Justice determined what art isn’t — that being Birkenstock sandals. The German company that makes those, which goes back to 1774, filed a lawsuit against three competitors who sold sandals that were similar.

The shoe manufacturer claimed its sandals “are copyright-protected works of applied art” that may not be imitated. Under German law, works of art enjoy stronger and longer-lasting intellectual property protections than consumer products. Birkenstock asked for an injunction to stop younger competitors from making similar sandals and an order to recall and destroy those already on the market.  

A regional court in Cologne initially recognized the shoes as works of applied art and granted the orders, but Cologne’s highest regional court overturned the orders on appeal saying it was “unable to establish any artistic achievement” in the big-buckled sandals. Finally, the German Federal Court of Justice sided with the appeals court and dismissed the case. In its ruling, it wrote that Birkenstock sandals lacked “individuality.” Millions of sandal-shod, aging hippies were put on suicide watch. 

In central Iowa, the musical rites of spring are also being redefined by German authorities. Des Moines Symphony Orchestra (DMSO), a company that hits way above its weight class, is featuring an all-German, heavyweight lineup for its April concerts — Richard Wagner, Johannes Brahms and Carl Orff.

Wagner will be represented by his “Prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.” That was a rare flirtation with comic opera for the strong-arm composer, set in Nürnberg when it was famous for its poets and musicians, long before the town’s image was dragged into the mud of Hitler’s megalomania and the Allies’ judgements.

Brahms also shows another rare side of his genius with “Nänie for Chorus and Orchestra.” Like the ancient meistersingers of Nürnberg, Brahms wrote music for a poem, by the great Romantic Friedrich Schiller. 

DMSO brings three big time opera voices — Amy Owens, Christopher Pfund and Craig Irvine — together with Des Moines Choral Society, Iowa State Singers and Heartland Youth Choir for “Nänie” and for Orff’s rollicking “Carmina Burana.” That latter anthem to things profane (burana) is Orff’s triumphant setting of music to words by long lost Medieval poets. It’s a bring-down-the-house event much like last spring’s performance of Beethoven’s Ninth, which drew the largest crowds we have seen in decades. 

Des Moines Metro Opera is also reviving Wagner with its 2025 headliner “The Flying Dutchman.” Ryan McKinney makes his DMMO debut in the title role after also debuting it for Chile’s National Opera this year. The epic opera sings songs to the theme of “love vs. the power of a curse.” 

 

Peaking at age 80

Another German artist, Anselm Kiefer, is having a really big year. The exhibition “Anselm Kiefer: Sag mir wo die Blumen sind” at both Amsterdam’s Van Gogh and Stedelijk museums dares to showcase Kiefer’s works with famous works of Vincent van Gogh. 

In June, “Kiefer/Van Gogh” moves to the Royal Academy in London where it is already being hailed as the art show of the decade. Five new biographies of Kiefer are out, too. The artist calls it all his 80th birthday celebrations. 

An untitled piece by Kiefer dominates the lower part of Des Moines Art Center’s Meire wing. They also own at least one Van Gogh work. Perhaps they will meet someday soon. 

 

April touts 

Moberg Gallery opens a Kathranne Knight exhibition on April 11…  “Light Within Ourselves: Haitian Art in Iowa” brings Waterloo’s “largest in America” collection of that island nation’s art to town beginning April 18. Also on the 18th, Olson-Larsen Gallery will launch its “Art & Ecology” exhibition with six artists, plus a major fashion show. That will coincide with Gallery Night in Valley Junction. n