Berlin’s glory pulsates in its artistry, and Gallery Weekend is a farther proof of that. The internationally recognized ‘arm aber sexy’ appeal of Berlin naturally manifests itself in an inexpensive and authentic art scene, steadily attracting streams connoisseurs of unique art and artists who reject categorization. Yet, not every type of art dealer thrives in this sort of environment, at least as well one might expect them to. Berlin’s local art galleries are often overshadowed by international distributors and spotlight-stealing artists.
From May 2 to May 4 during Gallery Weekend, the limelight shifts to these under appreciated galleries, bringing with it major collectors from art havens like London, Madrid, Switzerland, southern Germany and New York. This is a chance for local art dealers to make connections that could ensure them years of profitable business, along with setting them up along a domino row of their dreams, where one affluent acquaintance leads to another.
Beginning on Friday, 38 local studios will open their doors to chauffeured guests who are expecting nothing less than the best. Dinner parties, after parties and the like are on the menu for visitors who will be meandering from gallery to gallery on foot, if they aren’t lucky enough to be chauffeured.
New York Times blogger Kimberly Bradley quotes gallery owner Asia Zak explaining the importance of the weekend as, For us, Gallery Weekend is about meeting new people.
The heart of the event unfolds around Potsdamerstr., Linienstrasse, Rudi-Dutschke-Strasse and Zimmerstrasse to name a few.
Carsten Höller designed the Prada Foundation’s Double Club in London, and will be exhibiting his work at Galerie Esther Shipper. Also notable are Robert Elfgen, a fresh young German, as well as proven artists such as Richard Artschwager and Robert Therrien, whose work can be found in Sprüth Magers Berlin.
If you needed a reason to explore Berlin’s electric art world, then Gallery Weekend is that and more.
Source: http://globespotters.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/30/galleries-come-alive-at-a-weekend-extravaganza/
Author: CA
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