In a written statement on Thursday, the curating collective of documenta fifteen in Kassel apologized for the anti-Semitic depictions at the world art show.
"We all failed to discover the anti-Semitic figures in the work," writes Ruangrupa on the Documenta website.
"It is our fault.
We apologize for the disappointment, shame, frustration, betrayal and shock we have caused to viewers."
The work by the Indonesian collective Taring Padi, which clearly has anti-Semitic connotations, was only set up after the press tour and then dismantled after violent public protests.
Previously, there had been anti-Semitism allegations against the curating collective Ruangrupa from Indonesia for months.
These were repeatedly rejected until shortly before the scandal.
Despite numerous calls for resignation in light of the anti-Semitism scandal, the general director of the art exhibition, Sabine Schormann, is still in office.
"I take my job as it was given to me responsibly and still believe in this documenta," said Schormann on Thursday in Kassel.
Ultimately, however, the decision lies in the hands of the responsible persons and committees.
"In such a situation, nothing can be ruled out," said Schormann.
First, however, it must be a matter of working through the processes and “getting the ship back on course,” she said.
"And in heavy seas, a captain doesn't disembark.
That's how I see my role at this point, I'm responsible for organizing the exhibition and have initiated further measures." On behalf of the Ruangrupa artist collective, Schormann also apologized: "They are infinitely sorry." The collective was determined, " to save and continue the positive aspects of this exhibition together with us.” The examination of the incidents will show whether and which further consequences are necessary.