Berlin Artist Uncovers Family's Dark Nazi Past in Powerful Collages

Bianca Schaalburg's family home once belonged to Jewish families persecuted by her grandfather. Now, she's telling their stories through art.

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2025 October 11 . 12:00 PM

1 min read

In this image I can see a historical plaque in the center of the image with some symbols and text.

Berlin Artist Uncovers Family's Dark Nazi Past in Powerful Collages

Berlin-based artist Bianca Schaalburg has explored her family's ancestry, uncovering a complex history intertwined with the Nazi regime. Her exploration, spanning from World War II to the fall of the Berlin Wall, has resulted in a poignant collection of collages that blend found objects, photos, and drawings.

Bianca's grandfather, an early member of the NSDAP, worked as a bookkeeper during the NS regime. The family's Berlin-Zehlendorf home, occupied from 1936 to 1977, had a dark history. Three Jewish families—Gustav Schaalburg, Emil Pollak, and Otto Kahn—preceded them. Emil and Otto were deported and murdered during the Holocaust, while Gustav faced persecution and arrest.

Bianca's grandfather played a role in the eviction of these families. His experiences in Riga and near concentration camps are now being examined by his granddaughter. Bianca also remembers others persecuted or murdered by the NS regime, weaving their stories into her art.

Bianca Schaalburg's exploration of her family's ancestry has shed light on a dark chapter of German history. Her art serves as a reminder of the human stories behind historical events and the importance of confronting and understanding our past.