Naomi Beckwith, the curator of Documenta 16, has revealed that some artists have declined to participate in the exhibition due to Germany's stance on the Gaza war.

Beckwith stated that the artists felt restricted in Germany, while others criticized the country's position on the conflict. She emphasized the importance of overcoming divisions and fostering dialogue.

The controversy surrounding Documenta 16 extends beyond mere participation. In 2023, the entire curatorial selection committee resigned en masse. Beckwith, currently the Guggenheim Museum’s deputy director and chief curator, was appointed as the organizer for the 2024 edition.

Beckwith addressed concerns about the 2022 controversy, specifically mentioning the Indonesian collective Taring Padi and their controversial mural. She believes that such incidents will not recur, citing the measures Documenta has adopted to prevent similar issues.

Despite adopting new language about antisemitism, the measures have been controversial, as Documenta's definition of antisemitism includes criticism of Israel. Beckwith did not sign the code of conduct, explaining that she was not asked to do so.